Chargers draft grade for Tuli Tuipulotu: A-
The Bolts drafted a hometown prospect from USC that makes a lot of sense both for what the team needs in 2023 and what the team needs beyond 2023.
Los Angeles desperately needed more edge-rushing depth and Tuipulotu provides just that. He is not going to start right away in LA but as a third edge rusher with his power and bull-rushing techinque he can have a lot of success in a rotational role for the Bolts.
Better yet, Tuipulotu showcased the ability to kick inside and he can absolutely play defensive end in a 3-4 defense. He probably isn't someone you want playing inside on running downs but on dedicated passing downs, the Chargers can have Tuipulotu, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Morgan Fox all on the field at the same time.
Tuipulotu did have a missed tackle problem and that might hurt his production in the running game early on but that can be worked on with NFL coaching as he is just a rotation player in year one. While those missed tackles are concerning, his 2022 stats with USC are also incredibly exciting.
Only 19 NCAA defensive linemen/edge rushers logged 400 pass-rushing snaps in 2022. Tuli Tuipulotu ranked second in pass-rush win rate at 19.1%.
— Bolt Beat (@BB_Chargers) April 29, 2023
Of the 164 players with 300+ pass-rushing snaps, he ranked 17th, marginally behind Will Anderson Jr.
Best-case scenario: Tuipulotu proves that he can play full-time on the edge and replaces Khalil Mack after the 2023 season. He may never be a Mack or Bosa-type of player, but in a perfect world, he becomes a full-time edge rusher with Pro Bowl potential. His versatility could continue to be leaned on as well.
Worst-case scenario: Tuipulotu proves that he is a tweener in the NFL with no real position. Thus, he can never develop into a starting-caliber player as he cannot start full-time on the edge or on the inside. If his missed tackles continue to be a problem, it could play him out of the rotation without a set position.