In the latest mock drafts, the Detroit Lions’ top target is Ohio State EDGE rusher **J.T. Tuimoloau**, a dynamic pass rusher with elite potential.

The Detroit Lions are entering the 2023 NFL Draft with several positions of need, but few are as high on their priority list as edge rusher. The Lions have made significant strides over the last few seasons, turning their roster into a more competitive unit under head coach Dan Campbell. As they look to continue their upward trajectory, they are heavily invested in building a dynamic defense that can make a real impact on Sundays. The edge rusher position has long been an area of concern, and with the latest mock drafts suggesting that the Lions’ top target could be J.T. Tuimoloau, an elite pass rusher from Ohio State, the 2023 draft could be the moment that changes the entire complexion of their defense.

Tuimoloau, a sophomore defensive end for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has steadily climbed the ranks as one of the most promising pass rushers in the country. With a combination of size, athleticism, and versatility, Tuimoloau has the potential to be a disruptive force at the next level. As the NFL continues to prioritize edge rushers who can both rush the passer and contribute against the run, Tuimoloau represents a complete player that fits the mold of what NFL teams are seeking. The Detroit Lions, a team that finished near the middle of the pack in terms of both sacks and overall pass rush efficiency in 2022, would be thrilled to add Tuimoloau to their defensive front.

The Case for J.T. Tuimoloau: An Overview of His Talent and Fit

J.T. Tuimoloau was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, ranking as a 5-star prospect and the No. 1 overall player in the country for the 2021 recruiting class. His journey to Ohio State was marked by a long recruitment process and significant interest from a variety of schools, but ultimately, it was the Buckeyes who won out. Since stepping onto the field for Ohio State, Tuimoloau has lived up to the hype, showcasing his potential as a dominant defensive force.

At 6’4” and 270 pounds, Tuimoloau has a rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. His explosive first step, combined with his relentless motor, allows him to win around the edge with speed or use power to bull rush through blockers. Over the course of his two years at Ohio State, he has proven himself capable of both rushing the passer and contributing against the run, making him a well-rounded edge rusher who can play multiple positions along the defensive line.

Tuimoloau’s pass-rushing ability stands out, but it’s his versatility that makes him even more attractive to NFL teams like the Lions. He’s capable of lining up on both sides of the defensive line, creating matchups that are difficult for offensive coordinators to scheme for. Whether rushing as a traditional edge rusher or lined up inside as a defensive tackle, Tuimoloau has the ability to disrupt plays from all areas of the defensive front.

In his two seasons at Ohio State, Tuimoloau has consistently shown flashes of brilliance, including an outstanding performance in the 2023 Rose Bowl against Utah, where he notched two sacks and an interception, showcasing his ability to make plays both in the backfield and in coverage. His ability to create turnovers and make plays in key situations will make him even more valuable in the NFL, where defensive playmakers can often tilt the balance of a game.

Why J.T. Tuimoloau Fits with the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have a defense that is improving, but still needs a major influx of talent at certain positions. The edge rusher spot is one that has been a glaring weakness for the Lions, particularly in 2022, where they ranked 25th in the league in total sacks with just 39 on the season. While players like Aidan Hutchinson and Romeo Okwara have shown flashes of being productive pass rushers, the Lions’ defense is still in need of more consistent pressure, especially from the edge.

A player like Tuimoloau would immediately bolster the defensive front and give the Lions a versatile piece they can move around in different packages. The Lions’ defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, is known for his aggressive, attacking style, and Tuimoloau’s skill set fits perfectly within this philosophy. His ability to play both in the trenches and in space would allow Glenn to create confusion and mismatches for opposing offenses, using Tuimoloau in various ways to keep quarterbacks on their toes.

Additionally, the Lions have made significant strides in building their offensive line and have a strong offensive nucleus with young talent like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jahmyr Gibbs. However, they still face stiff competition in the NFC North, where teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers have elite quarterbacks and explosive offenses. To keep up with the arms race in the division, the Lions will need to bolster their defense, particularly against high-powered offenses, and a player like J.T. Tuimoloau could be just what the team needs to elevate their defense to the next level.

Tuimoloau’s ability to set the edge and disrupt the quarterback’s timing is exactly what the Lions need to take the next step in becoming a legitimate NFC contender. The addition of Tuimoloau would not only improve the pass rush but also help the Lions become more stout against the run. With Tuimoloau’s ability to set the edge, Detroit’s defense would be more balanced, making it tougher for opposing teams to exploit weaknesses in their front seven.

How the Lions Can Maximize Tuimoloau’s Impact

If the Lions select J.T. Tuimoloau in the first round, it will be essential for them to find creative ways to maximize his skill set. Given Tuimoloau’s ability to line up in multiple spots along the defensive front, Detroit can use him in a variety of ways. Here are a few strategies the Lions could deploy to maximize his impact:

1. Rotating on the Edge

Tuimoloau’s best trait as a pass rusher is his ability to win with both speed and power. While he has the ability to bend the edge and beat offensive tackles around the corner, he also has a strong bull rush that can overwhelm blockers. The Lions could rotate him on both sides of the defensive line, ensuring that he’s facing different offensive linemen and exploiting the weak spots on the line. With a player like Aidan Hutchinson already in the fold, having another edge rusher of Tuimoloau’s caliber could form a lethal pass-rushing duo that could terrorize opposing quarterbacks.

2. Lining Up Inside in Passing Situations

One of the most exciting aspects of Tuimoloau’s game is his ability to line up inside as a defensive tackle in passing situations. With his quick first step and powerful hands, he can create mismatches against guards and centers, allowing the Lions to generate pressure from the interior. Pairing Tuimoloau with other disruptive interior rushers like Alim McNeill or Isaiah Buggs could make the Lions’ front four one of the most dangerous in the league.

3. Blending Pass Rush and Coverage Responsibilities

While Tuimoloau is known for his pass rush, his ability to contribute in coverage, as seen in his interception against Utah, makes him a versatile piece that Aaron Glenn could use in a variety of ways. The Lions could create confusion for opposing quarterbacks by dropping Tuimoloau into coverage occasionally, taking advantage of his athleticism to disrupt passing lanes. His ability to create turnovers and make plays in coverage could be an added bonus for a defense that is already on the rise.

Challenges and Concerns

While Tuimoloau is undoubtedly a talented player, there are some concerns about his consistency and development. As with many young players, Tuimoloau has had his ups and downs during his time at Ohio State, particularly with regard to his pass-rush technique. He has the physical tools to be a dominant force, but at times, he has struggled with his hand placement and overall pass-rush moves. If he is to make an immediate impact in the NFL, he will need to refine these aspects of his game, and the Lions will need to invest time in developing his skills.

Another concern is the depth of the edge rusher class in the 2023 draft. While Tuimoloau is a top prospect, the Lions could have several other quality pass rushers available to them at No. 6 overall, including players like Tyree Wilson from Texas Tech and Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama. While Tuimoloau may not be the consensus No. 1 edge rusher in the draft, his potential to grow into a dynamic player could make him an appealing choice for the Lions, who could use a game-changing pass rusher on the edge.

A Bright Future for the Lions Defense

If the Detroit Lions select J.T. Tuimoloau in the 2023 NFL Draft, they would be adding a talented, versatile, and disruptive force to their defense. With his ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and contribute in coverage, Tuimoloau is the kind of player who can make an immediate impact for a team in need of a pass rush. By pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson and other young talent on the defensive line, the Lions could be building one

of the most dangerous defensive fronts in the league.

As the Lions continue to build their defense with pieces like Tuimoloau, they will not only be able to compete with the best offenses in the NFC but could also find themselves back in the playoff hunt for the first time in years. Tuimoloau represents the kind of high-impact player the Lions need to take their defense to the next level, and with a dynamic coaching staff led by Dan Campbell, the sky is the limit for the Detroit Lions’ defense in the years to come.