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

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MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 30: Defensive Lineman Marlon Tuipulotu #95 from USC of the American Team warms up before the start of 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) /

Potential to develop into a starting DT.

While I’m not going to go as far as to label Tuipulotu a “steal” (he was a sixth-round pick for a reason), I do think it’s worth highlighting the fact that he flashed some potential as a pass rusher during his time at USC as well. He logged 8.5 sacks over the course of 30 games played – just enough to peak my interest in regards to his overall potential.

Tuipulotu’s ability to stop the run is already present, what he needs to work on his ability to get up the field and apply pressure on the quarterback. Specifically in a 4-3 defensive scheme, starting defensive tackles are typically asked to do a bit of everything: stopping the run, rushing the QB, clogging lanes, etc.

While Tuipulotu won’t be asked to assume starting defensive tackle duties anytime soon (Cox and Hargrave are both under contract for another couple of years, and Milton Williams would be in line to replace one of them first), I do think he’s a player worth keeping an eye on when it comes to his progression as a more complete defensive tackle.

If he’s able to add a few go-to pass rushing moves to arsenal, his reps should only increase over time.

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