After selecting Tyler Warren in the first round, the Indianapolis Colts continued their 2025 NFL draft by picking Ohio State defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau at the No. 45 slot in the second round.
How does that impact the defensive end depth chart?
He won’t be a starter with Laiatu Latu and Kwity Paye penciled in as the starters, with the potential of Samson Ebukam regaining his starting spot if he shows no drop-off in play after tearing his Achilles in last year’s preseason.
Tuimoloau will start his rookie season in a battle for snaps with veteran Tyquan Lewis. Early in the season, he can find a role as a rotational player on early downs because of his ability to defend the run.
He can help the new defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, save reps for Latu and Ebukam in passing situations. As the season goes along, if he can showcase that he can be effective as a pass rusher, then he can start being placed in sub-rush packages.
Isaiah Land and Durrell Nchami are also on the Colts roster, but barring an impressive preseason, they are likely practice-squad candidates. Chris Ballard only kept five defensive ends on the roster following last year’s 53-man cut deadline.
This is how the Colts defensive end depth chart projects following the selection of Tuimoloau:
Colts depth chart
LDE:
1. Kwity Paye
2. Tyquan Lewis
3. J.T. Tuimoloau
4. Durrell Nchami
RDE:
1. Laiatu Latu
2. Samson Ebukam
3. Isaiah Land
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