Telepeer

Chargers sign edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, their 2nd-round pick

June 27, 2023

The Chargers on Monday signed Tuli Tuipulotu, an All-America edge rusher from USC who was their second-round pick in the 2023 draft. Tuipulotu started three seasons with the Trojans and earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors twice. He grew up in Hawthorne and starred at Lawndale High.

Tuipulotu, 20, led the Pac-12 and was third in the nation with 12½ sacks during the 2022 season. He was named to the All-America team and was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. He was credited with 114 tackles (65 solo) during his collegiate career at USC.

It’s anticipated that he’ll add significant depth to the Chargers’ edge rusher position behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and under new defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley, who was promoted from secondary coach after the departure of Renaldo Hill to the Miami Dolphins during the offseason.

“He has a lot of the characteristics that we think translate to playing championship defense,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said after Tuipulotu was selected 54th overall on April 28. “He’s really tough and rugged at the point of attack. He can rush from the outside and from the inside. He has versatility that way. He has the play style that we’re really attracted to.”

Tuipulotu was the only remaining unsigned player from the Chargers’ seven-player draft class.

Los Angeles Chargers |

Chargers’ Austin Ekeler says he’s not mad about lack of contract extension

Los Angeles Chargers |

Chargers’ J.C. Jackson nearing return from season-ending knee surgery

Los Angeles Chargers |

Center Corey Linsley on the Chargers’ O-line: ‘We’ve got to be a lot better’

Los Angeles Chargers |

Chargers’ talks with Justin Herbert on contract extension still ‘ongoing’

Los Angeles Chargers |

Chargers’ Rashawn Slater ‘100 percent’ again after season-ending injury

Orange County Register