Chargers Insider Believes This Rookie Defender Will Make Immediate Impact

The Pac-12 DPOY is set to play a big role with the Bolts

The Los Angeles Chargers defense was the weakest part of the team last season. That part of the team needed to be improved, and even though they didn't do it with their first pick, they did it with their second pick. 

With the 54th overall pick, the Bolts selected the 2022 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, Tuli Tuipulotu. After doing so with the USC Trojans, Tuipulotu will stay in Los Angeles to help lead this Charger defense. LA got a butt-load of college football's finest, but Chargers insider Daniel Popper believes the LA native will make the biggest impact for the Bolts this upcoming season. 

Pick who will make the biggest immediate impact

Tuipulotu has the clearest pathway to significant playing time as a rookie. He is immediately the third edge rusher on the roster behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, and that fact alone pencils him in for about 25 snaps per game as soon as the regular season starts. On top of that, the Chargers really believe Tuipulotu has the ability to rush from the interior on known passing downs, and we could see some packages with Bosa, Mack and Tuipulotu all on the field together. Staley repeatedly touted Tuipulotu as a “point of attack” player, and that means the Chargers will feel comfortable playing him on early downs in their run fronts. He projects as an important piece for Staley’s defense.

The 20-year-old was a dominant force with the Trojans, recording 24 tackles, 10 assists. His strong suit was pass rushing, and no one did it better than Tuli as he had 33 QB hurries, six QB hits, and led his conference with 12.5 sacks in 2022. 

His aggressive style of play will be needed, as they were in the middle of the pack with sacks and last in opponent rushing yards. The Chargers had the names and talent but failed to develop a good defense. Things will need to change, and the selection of Tuli was much needed for the Bolts.