Jim Harbaugh is a master at getting the most out of every player on an NFL roster. LA Chargers fans saw that firsthand in 2024 and will see it in a more exaggerated form in Harbaugh's second season at the helm.
There are several breakout candidates for the Chargers in 2025, some of which the entire league is aware of. Linebacker Daiyan Henley, for example, is on the brink of being one of the best linebackers in the entire NFL. Those who pay attention to the league are expecting that out of the Chargers' LB.
Other breakout candidates are flying under the radar despite being in line for a big season. That is exactly where Tuli Tuipulotu finds himself as the Chargers' edge rusher is primed to make a huge splash in 2025.
Tuli Tuipulotu is the Chargers' breakout star that the league isn't ready for
Chargers fans know how talented Tuipulotu is but the rest of the league is unaware. The former second-round pick has flown under the radar as a third edge rusher behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Now, Tuipulotu has the runway for a big season.
Tuipulotu will start alongside Mack now that Bosa is on the Buffalo Bills. Behind Tuipulotu is veteran Bud Dupree and rookie Kyle Kennard. While both players will be impactful in their roles, they are both naturally limited in how much they will play (for different reasons).
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The former USC Trojan is entering a contract year that should coincide with the start of his prime in the NFL. Tuipulotu was one of the youngest players in the 2023 NFL Draft class and is turning 23 right before the start of the season. There are far more miles left to put on Tuipulotu than miles traveled. He is not even close to reaching his talent ceiling.
Tuipulotu can get after the quarterback but he can also hold his own against the run. He also has the ability to play inside on passing downs, allowing Dupree or Kennard to get snaps in without Tuipulotu leaving the field.
Chargers fans already saw a leap out of Tuipulotu last season when he recorded 8.5 sacks. That was done on a 67% snap share, which easily fly north of 80% in his third season. With more reps, Tuipulotu will wreak more havoc.
Mack is already singing Tuipulotu's praises and it won't be long before the entire NFL world takes notice. The Chargers are sitting on a sleeping giant at edge rusher who is ready to wake up in 2025.