During the course of the 2023 season, the Los Angeles Chargers relied heavily on their second-round selection, Tuli Tuipulotu. The 20-year-old USC product was one of the main pieces that held the Chargers defensive line together throughout plenty of troubles. However, in 2024, it is looking extremely unlikely that Tuipolotu will even start on this Chargers defensive line. Even with his immaculate rookie season that had him in the running for defensive rookie of the year.
What Made Tuli Tuipolotu A Defensive Rookie of The Year Candidate
As mentioned before, the second-round rookie was crucial in the Chargers not completely collapsing amongst the defensive line. The Chargers starting duo of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa was expected to take over games and be something to be feared. Unfortunately, that did not last long as Bosa dealt with a variety of different injuries during 2023, and a week 11 foot injury was the one that eventually put him down for the rest of the year.
Even when Bosa was playing, the Chargers next option at the EDGE position was their young rookie, Tuli Tuipulotu. The 20-year-old EDGE rusher was already impressive in his limited snaps, but once given a true chance to start, he was utterly dominant. His first true start against the Minnesota Vikings was his best performance of the season, coming onto the scene hot. PFF gave his season totals: 8 sacks, 51 pressures, and a 71.0 defensive grade. Furthermore, Tuipulotu’s 88.4 run defense grade was first among all rookie edge rushers. The Chargers second-round selection graded out nearly ten full points higher than the second-place player, doing so while having the second most run defense snaps amongst all rookie edge rushers.
Amongst ALL rookie EDGE rushers, Tuli Tuipulotu EASILY takes home the #1 rush defense grade.⚡️
Also shoutout to Andrew Farmer in his limited snaps! pic.twitter.com/wenDjdRayO
— Nate Gosney (@NateGosney) July 13, 2024
His impressive early season success gave him a chance to win defensive rookie of the year, but unfortunately, by the end of the season, and being on a bad team, the votes eventually veered off to other impressive defensive rookies. However, the play of a future all-star was there for the USC product.
Why Will He Not Start in 2024?
A Chargers team that was a bottom-ten defense in nearly every category at least had Tuipulotu giving them one bright spot besides future Hall Of Famer Khalil Mack. So, with a bad defense and only being 21 years old, why isn’t Tuli Tuipulotu starting in 2024?
As simple as it is, it will come down to the health of Joey Bosa. As good as Tuipulotu was in 2023, Bosa is still the better player. The experience and pass-rushing prowess that Bosa brings is something that this team desperately needs in 2024, considering the state of the Chargers defensive back room. More pass rush will equate to an easier job for the back seven defenders. The former 2016 defensive rookie of the year will be in line to start next to Khalil Mack, who had arguably the best season of his prolific career. This dynamic duo will be running it back, but hopefully, this time with more health.
So the duo of Mack and Bosa starting, this obviously means for Tuipulotu he will be on the bench. However, that does not automatically mean he is not going to be a crucial part of this defense. Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has plans for the 21-year-old star but knows that he may be better suited as a high-end rotational rusher to help his development and the betterment of this 2024 team. Combine this with the addition of Bud Dupree, Tuipulotu’s snaps are bound to be much lower than what it was in 2023, barring injury. Although he may not be the immediate starter, his presence will still be felt in 2024, as this team will still be relying on his effort and explosiveness to impact games.
Main Image: Kriby Lee – USA Today Sports
