Section 215
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Philadelphia Eagles: 3 thoughts on sixth-round pick Marlon Tuipulotu

By David Esser

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: Defensive Lineman Marlon Tuipulotu #95 from USC of the American Team during the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: Defensive Lineman Marlon Tuipulotu #95 from USC of the American Team during the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Drafted with the Philadelphia Eagles first pick in the sixth round, USC’s Marlon Tuipulotu clocked in as the ninth rated defensive tackle prospect in this year’s draft class according to “The Draft Network.”

The Eagles snagged the fourth rated DT in Milton Williams with their third-round selection, opting to double up on the position when Tuipulotu fell to them at pick 189.

Here are some thoughts on the Eagles newest 300+lbs defensive lineman:

He should make the roster – and see playing time.

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Sixth-round picks aren’t always guaranteed to crack a team’s 53-man roster by Week 1, but Tuipulotu is the type of prospect who absolutely should in this scenario. Not only were the Eagles noticeably light on defensive tackle depth heading into this year’s offseason, but Tuipulotu also fills a very specific role in a 4-3 defense.

Tuipulotu is a natural run-stuffer, the type of player who many projected to operate as a nose tackle upon being drafted into the NFL. While the Eagles aren’t expected to run a true NT under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, there’s still a place for a monster space eater like Tuipulotu.

The former USC Trojan should immediately be able to slide in alongside Fletcher Cox or Javon Hargrave on obvious run downs, allowing the two to get up the field while Tuipulotu hangs back and occupies blockers, collapsing the line around opposing running backs.

The Philadelphia Eagles have themselves a solid DT4 in Marlon Tuipulotu.

Specifically with Cox, getting him off the field on plays where his pass rushing skills aren’t needed should be a necessity. Cox has got some serious mileage on him – Tuipulotu can help take some stress off him once in awhile.

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