On the second day of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Colts gave new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo two fresh pieces to help install his new defensive scheme.
With their second-round pick (45th overall), Indy found Anarumo a violent edge player in JT Tuimoloau from Ohio State.
If general manager Chris Ballard and Anarumo could create their ideal defensive end in a lab, Tuimoloau would be the product.
“He knows how to rush, he’s got good bend and he’s got good length,” Ballard said. “We’re excited to get him.”
The 21-year-old isn’t just a high-floor run defender, he can get to the quarterback with physicality. Tuimoloau wins with power, which will be a nice complement to Laiatu Latu’s speedy finesse pass rushing approach.
On the surface, Tuimoloau appears to be the replacement for Dayo Odeyingbo, who departed in free agency. But he’s more than that. The former Buckeye strengthens what is already a strong defensive line group in Indianapolis.
Along with Latu, Samson Ebukam, DeForest Buckner, Kwity Paye and Grover Stewart, Anarumo has the personnel to elevate the unit to an elite level, this year and beyond.
Ballard smartly was thinking ahead with this pick. After the upcoming 2025 season, Latu is the only defensive end the Colts have under contract for 2026. Adding Tuimoloau ensures depth off the edge now and in the future.
The Tacoma, Washington native had a breakout senior season in Columbus which helped elevate his draft stock.
Tuimoloau racked up 22 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, three passes defended and two forced fumbles. He stepped up his game in the College Football Playoff, recording 10 TFLs and 6.5 sacks as he helped Ohio State win a national championship.
“He was outstanding,” Ballard said about his performance in the postseason.
Tuimoloau already has familiarity with the Colts. He’s been training with pro players for a while, including Colts linebacker and defensive captain Zaire Franklin, a connection which should help give Tuimoloau a head start on building chemistry with his new teammates.
After adding Tyler Warren to the offense Thursday night and fresh meat on the defensive line, Indy grabbed Anarumo a new defensive back.
Ballard decided to take Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley with the 80th overall pick. It was a bit of a surprising choice as Walley wasn’t projected to be taken before day three.
But Ballard doesn’t care about projections.
“I don’t care where everybody thinks he’s going to go,” Ballard said. “We grade them, and we take them.”
Indy’s general manager spoke jubilantly about what Walley can be for the Colts.
“He's freaking good,” he said. “Forty game starter in the Big Ten. He's athletic, fast, can play outside and in.”
Ballard added he liked his speed, toughness and ball skills as well. Walley produced at a high level with Minnesota, grabbing seven career interceptions and defending 27 passes in four years.
But it wasn’t just the traits which impressed Ballard. The mentality and toughness did too. Despite a wrist injury, Walley never excused himself from working out.
“He broke his wrist, so in a time where guys don’t want to work out — I mean we have guys ducking it right now — he does everything,” Ballard said.
Despite the cast, Walley still ran a 4.37 40-yard dash and participated in every drill. That mentality paired with his play against USC were enough to convince Ballard.
The versatility and attitude the former Golden Gopher will bring are both valuable for the Colts, especially knowing how diverse Anarumo wants to be defensively.
“You’re going to see a lot more dime,” Ballard said. “You’ll see a lot more DBs in the game.”
The pick indicates a major shift for the Colts’ defensive identity as they look to quickly bring their defense back to a respectable level, replacing their old vanilla approach with a much more complex and multiple scheme.
Warren, Tuimoloau and Walley make up the Colts’ three draft picks through three rounds — one shiny new toy for head coach Shane Steichen on offense, and two scheme-specific defenders for Anarumo.
Ballard and the rest of the Colts draft team will complete their class in the final four rounds Saturday, beginning at noon ET.
