The 2026 NFL Draft saw several Ohio State football players realize their dreams of becoming professionals. They had a historic first round by the time everything was said and done. It was something that the Ohio State Buckeyes will use in recruiting for years to come.
Last year, the Buckeyes also had several draft picks. Defensively, J.T. Tuimoloau was taken in the second round by the Indianapolis Colts. He will now be teammates with Caden Curry. However, his rookie season was anything but a dream while he was in Indy.
Tuimoloau was expected to be a factor on the defensive line. Instead, he was a healthy scratch for several games as a rookie. In fact, he didn't record a single sack. He only suited up for 13 of the games the Colts played last season. Yet, GM Chris Ballard isn't giving up on him.
Indianapolis Colts aren't giving up on former Ohio State DL J.T. Tuimoloau
Despite a rough start to his NFL career, Indy still has big plans for Tuimoloau. While talking about the lack of pass rushers that the Colts drafted, Ballard made some positive comments about what Tuimoloau will be able to do for the team this season.
"We got a young one in Jaylahn that we like, that I think has some upside...I think Jaylahn's got some real upside. I do."
The Colts desperately need some help on the edge. Tuimoloau was expected to bring that in his rookie season and failed to do so. Still, he showed flashes of greatness with the Buckeyes. His physical skills and traits are too good for him to fail as badly as he did as a rookie.
Tuimoloau is expecting a big change this season. He is going to be given every opportunity to start this year with an open defensive end spot available. The work he does in training camp will decide if he's able to take hold of that spot or not.
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