The Chargers addressed a major need at edge defender by drafting USC’s Tuli Tuipulotu with the No. 54 overall selection on Friday.
Tuipulotu has the upfield explosion, heavy and determined hands, lateral agility and rush instincts to avoid blockers and change gaps, all of which should boost the team’s pass rush.
Tiupuloti is a familiar face for football fans in Southern California and is sure to become a defensive boost. Check out the best plays from his time at USC below to get more familiar with his dynamic skillset:
Chargers needed more on the DL and Tuli Tuipulotu provides that with his versatility. Awesome motor, developed hands, and knock back power. High floor player. Should help the run D a lot: pic.twitter.com/NJI1WgVbze
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) April 29, 2023
USC DL—Tuli Tuipulotu has a fan in me! An athletic defender w/lateral agility & power in the run game. I expect him to be a 4-3 DE on early downs and kick inside to rush the passer.
6'3
266-270
32 1/4 arms
13 sacks#2023NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/JTZAyAytdv— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) April 8, 2023
Sack from Tuli Tuipulotu at the end of the half#USC up 17-7 on Notre Dame pic.twitter.com/UTNNyaDO14
— Trevor Booth (@TrevorMBooth) November 27, 2022
All 13.5 sacks by Tuli Tuipulotu in 2022 pic.twitter.com/HA9JfvQ5Ro
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 23, 2023
Besides leading the nation in sacks in 2022, Tuli Tuipulotu is also a plus run defender. pic.twitter.com/jJLXFxvLvQ
— Rocky Magaña (@RockyMagana) April 23, 2023
Tuli Tuipulotu led the nation with 12.5 sacks this year, the most by a Trojan in a single season since 2003! 🇹🇴 pic.twitter.com/VrAx4w4fWm
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) December 8, 2022
Any of y'all out there remember Adewale Ogunleye? USC's Tuli Tuipulotu gives me a similar hit with his ability to win outside despite his alleged tweener size. I'll be fascinated to see how his NFL coaches work him into their defensive line. pic.twitter.com/HvbrR0rkwa
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) April 11, 2023
Chargers EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu has great rush instincts and hands.
Sets up by getting square to force the tackle off-balance mid-rush before swiping the hands, bending and closing for the sack.pic.twitter.com/naMmaCwmH9
— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) April 29, 2023
Chargers EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu is nasty with inside counters, including one of the best swim moves in this class.https://t.co/wVVaDvaiIp
— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) April 29, 2023
