Colts Rookie Predicted to Have Biggest Impact

The Indianapolis Colts' 2025 draft was highlighted by the selection of Penn State's incredible tight end talent, Tyler Warren. However, the next pick was in round two (45th overall), defensive end out of Ohio State, J.T. Tuimoloau.

Tuimoloau was a force for the Buckeyes during their 2024 championship run, and gives Indianapolis more off the edge for the first-year coordinator Lou Anarumo.

Fox Sports believes that, while the Colts secured Warren to bolster their barren tight end group, Tuimoloau will make the biggest impact for the franchise in 2025. Here's what Carmen Vitali had to say on the talented defender and his role with Indy.

"The Colts lost Dayo Odeyingbo to free agency, so they needed to bolster their pass rush. They’re going to need Tuimoloau to step up immediately."

Losing Dayo Odeyingbo was rough for the Colts, as the now-Chicago Bear led the team in pressures last year. But the squad still has Laiatu Latu, Samson Ebukam, and Kwity Paye, so adding Tuimoloau can immediately help the defensive edge room.

Tuimoloau put together a great career with the Buckeyes in four seasons and 55 games, putting together 144 tackles, 45 tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks, and 10 passes defended. Tuimoloau was a sack and pressure artist, posing major issues for opposing ground attacks.

However, his 2024 campaign was his best, logging 61 tackles (22 for loss) and 12.5 sacks.

The Colts lacked pressure last season as a defensive unit, so this is a way to help that narrative change for the 2025 season. Tuimoloau provided a solid pressure rate, ranking second on Ohio State to Jack Sawyer, becoming one of the staunchest contributors off the line of scrimmage.