The Ohio State Buckeyes are sending a bunch of talent to the NFL Draft this month but one name stands out above the rest: defensive end JT Tuimoloau. The 21 year old has been balling out and now he’s being linked to the Green Bay Packers as a second round pick.
A Packers team desperate for pass rush help Tuimoloau could be exactly what they need.
A Dominant Force at Ohio State
Tuimoloau was straight up ridiculous in his final season with the Buckeyes. In 2024, he had 61 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks. He was one of the most dominant defensive players in college football. His performance in the College Football Playoff was insane where he had 5.5 sacks and helped Ohio State win the national championship.
Over four years in Columbus, Tuimoloau’s game really came together. By the time he left Ohio State, he’d racked up an impressive 144 tackles, 45 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks. That kind of production—and the way he produced it—speaks volumes about his impact on the field.
Why the Packers Need Tuimoloau?
Green Bay’s pass rush has been a major problem in recent years. Jacob Infante of Pro Football Network thinks drafting Tuimoloau with the 54th overall pick would be a smart move. “Lukas Van Ness still has potential as a young edge rusher, but he’s off to a slow start in the NFL.
Another rotational defender in the mix would be a good idea for the Packers,” Infante wrote. “Tuimoloau is a gifted athlete with real power, good short-area quickness and a motor that never stops. He’d be a threat opposite Rashan Gary.”
Tuimoloau’s skill set is a great fit for Green Bay. He has the strength, speed and effort to contribute right away—whether as a rotational piece or a starter if needed. That versatility would be a huge asset to the team.
Will Tuimoloau Last Until Pick No. 54?
Tuimoloau could shake up those projections and end up going earlier than expected. That would leave the Packers scrambling to get him before he disappears. Teams are always on the lookout for a defensive end with that kind of upside—and Tuimoloau definitely fits the bill.
If he does fall to the second round, though, Green Bay would be in a great position at pick 54. That’s where Tuimoloau’s athleticism and motor would really give the Packers’ defense a much-needed jolt. Behind Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, he’d provide depth and that elusive playmaking ability the Packers have been missing.
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