The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2025 NFL draft.

During Jeff Hafley’s first season as defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, the pass rush did disappearing acts in big games far too often.

The Packers dismissed defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich and replaced him with DeMarcus Covington, who spent this past season as the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.

A player who appeared at his best on the big stage was Ohio State’s JT Tuimoloau—the Buckeye defensive end checks in at No. 31 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

Tuimoloau played a vital role in Ohio State’s run to a National Championship. During the final six games, he recorded 11.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 23 pressures and 18 run stops.

“He was a key part to the nation’s No. 1 defense last season,” Stefan Krajisnik, an Ohio State reporter for Cleveland.com, said. ‘Playing with Jack Sawyer opposite him on the defensive line, Tuimoloau made life miserable for opposing tackles and quarterbacks. His talent has been evident for a while, highlighted by a 2022 game at Penn State in which he collected two sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two interceptions. In 2024, though, you saw how good he could be when talent was paired with consistency.”

Standing at 6-4, 265 pounds, with long arms, Tuimoloau looks like he was sent from central casting. He’s a ready-made run defender. With his long arms, he’s able to lock out and keep himself detached. The Ohio State Edge rusher has powerful hands to deconstruct blocks. He’s strong at the point of attack and sets a firm edge. With his power, he’s able to forklift blockers out of the way to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He finished this past season with 22 tackles for loss and 39 run stops.

“He has good patience,” Krajisnik said. “There aren’t many edge rushers in this draft with more experience than Tuimoloau. That’s apparent in the run game.”

Tuimoloau’s pass rush plan is predicated on power and then more power. He keeps his feet moving at contact and uses a long-arm move to collapse the integrity of the pocket. He has a devastating bull rush and a powerful cross-chop. He’s not somebody that’s going to win with his first-step quickness or athleticism. He’s very detailed in his approach. His backup plan has a backup plan. Over the past three seasons, he recorded 21 sacks and 120 pressures.

Fit with the Packers

Brian Gutekunst made it crystal clear during the NFL Scouting Combine that they need the defensive line to create more chaos if they are going to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

“We need to affect the quarterback more in our front four, with just four players,” Gutekunst said. “I’m excited about the guys we have in the room, we’ll see if we add to it, but that’s gotta get better if we’re going to accomplish our goals we want to accomplish in this season.”

Tuimoloua has a knack for getting after the quarterback and his strong finish during his final season with the Buckeyes is proof that he may not have the quickest first-step or the most explosive, but he has a veteran-like pass rush plan that’s predicated on power and violence. On top of what he brings as a pass rusher, Tuimoloau is a pro-ready run defender.

“Tuimoloau is a former five-star prospect who consistently displayed talent late in his career, and there still feels like there’s untapped potential,” Krajisnik said. “Like many of Ohio State’s 2025 prospects, experience can’t be taught. He’s seen so many different offenses and so many different players.”

Tuimoloau is a well-rounded defensive end. If he’s still on the board when the Packers are on the clock with the 54th overall pick, it would not be shocking to see the Buckeye defender teaming with a former Wolverine and Hawkeye at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.