Breaking down Ohio State Buckeyes edge rusher J.T. Tuimoloau ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
(Photo: 247Sports)
As NFL Free Agency continues to slow down and all 32 franchises across the league look forward to the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears will be one of the most active teams on draft weekend. With four picks inside the top 75, general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson will have plenty of opportunities to add quality talent to the roster.
Set to be one of the deepest edge rusher classes in recent memory, Poles and Johnson could view the upcoming class as an opportunity to add even more pass rushers. Two second round picks (No. 39 and No. 41) allow the Bears to add a prospect who will join a rotation that already includes Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, and 2024 fifth-round pick Austin Booker. It'd give defensive coordinator Dennis Allen a perfect mix of young players and veterans.
One of the most intriguing names to watch will be Ohio State Buckeyes edge rusher J.T. Tuimoloau, a senior, who was an integral part of the Buckeyes journey to the national championship. He possesses intriguing size, good athleticism, and traits that could make him a darkhorse candidate for the Bears in round two.
Let's get into our scouting report on the Buckeyes senior.
J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State, (6-foot-4, 265 pounds)
From his NFL.com draft profile via Lance Zierlein:
"Rugged edge defender with the size, length and toughness to play up or down in hybrid fronts. Tuimoloau plays to his size. His game revolves around power and force. He uses well-timed strikes and good length to stay separated and shed the block cleanly. He plays hard but has average pursuit quickness outside the box and trouble holding his ground against drive blockers in-line. Tuimoloau's power rush helped him tear through the expanded College Football Playoff, with 6.5 sacks over four games, but his rush plan and hand work need refinement to maintain the momentum he built as a rusher during the 2024 season. He's unlikely to become a star but his traits and demeanor fit the profile of a good NFL starter."
Film:
Strengths:
- Size and length stick out as a player who can play with his hand in the dirt or as a standup pass rusher.
- Ability to shed blocks with powerful hands and textbook technique really pops up on tape.
- Has the ability to bull rush tackles and drive them back into the quarterback.
- Uses technique and athleticism to create opportunities for teammates on the defensive line.
- Solid run defender who plays with gap integrity.
- Has a variety of pass rush moves that he uses against different types of offensive tackles.
- Incredibly smart and instinctual player who can recognize what the offense is doing before it actually happens.
- Versatility makes him the type of player who could really thrive in key situations.
Weaknesses:
- Not the greatest athlete in the world which will limit just how good of a pro player he can turn into.
- Lack of hip flexibility means average ability to set the edge.
- Relies on power a little too much at times which will slow him down at the next level.
- The lack of explosiveness makes him a player who can win a rep easily.
- Struggles to play low at times, often allowing offensive linemen to easily influence what he does after the first move.
Final Thoughts:
There is a lot to like about Tuimoloau's game in the context of a player who can become a valuable contributor for any team at the next level. But the reality is that his ceiling will likely be limited to a player who will be a solid presence as a starter but never, the dominant pass rusher for any team.
He does offer a lot in terms of versatility, instincts, and size, making him the type of player who could hear his name called earlier than most expect. He should end up being a day-two pick who can offer a lot for a team that is looking to use a rotation of pass rushers and a key contributor during critical in-game situations.
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Olamide Zaccheaus points to 'connection' as tip for success with Caleb Williams
New Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus points to 'connection' as tip for success with Caleb Williams and the offense.
[Zack Pearson](https://247sports.com/user/Zack Pearson/)5 hrs
(Photo: Geoff Burke , USA TODAY Sports)
LAKE FOREST, Ill., — With the hiring of Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears moved to an offensive-minded head coach and one who was a hot name in NFL circles over the past few years due to what he was able to do with the Detroit Lions. It's safe to say that Chicago's offense will look a lot different in 2025 and as they prepare for the season, they are making some additions.
That includes signing wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus.
The former Virginia speedster is entering his seventh season in the NFL and spent 2024 with the Washington Commanders where he became a legit target for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The two connected 45 times for 506 yards and three touchdowns on the year. Now, the hope is that he can build that connection with another young quarterback in Caleb Williams.
"The biggest thing is just the connection. That was one thing that, prided ourselves on doing is just being able to connect as quickly as possible," Zaccheaus. "That's how you really take off. The connection throughout the building, not just from player to player, player to coach, coach to players – but media team to player, player to chef, training room, everybody in the building has to connect as fast as possible. Then we'll see what that takes us, but that puts you in the best position to be able to have success."
As a veteran, Zaccheaus provided a reliable target for Daniels as did Terry McLaurin. Having that is beneficial for any quarterback, especially a young one and the sooner Williams can develop that connection and trust with his new receiver the better.
Zaccheaus also points to the mental aspect of things for the quarterback position.
"The biggest thing I think is just, the mental aspect of it for any young quarterback, especially Caleb. He has all the talent that you need to be a top-tier quarterback in the league. A lot of it's just going to be the mental aspect of it and kind of just slowing the game down."
That's something that Williams will have to work on this offseason as it looked like at times things were a little too fast in his rookie season. Johnson can help with that as well and should be a goal for both parties.
Chicago's plan continues to be to build around their young quarterback, as it should be. And getting the right pieces in here will be the key. Time will tell if Ryan Poles and Johnson are making the right moves.
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