While the Indianapolis Colts didn't completely nail the 2025 draft, no one can argue that their first two picks weren't spectacular. Enough has been said about Tyler Warren, the tight end who is already on the short list for Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY), but there's also the second round pick: J.T. Tuimoloau from Ohio State.
While Tuimoloau hasn't had as much buzz as Warren, that only proves how underrated this pick is. Tuimoloau is a strong athlete, known for being disruptive and able to completely collapse the pocket, and stop the run. That versatility is right up defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's alley.
Yet there's just one problem: he still hasn't signed his contract.
Tuimoloau, along with 30 other second round picks, still remain unsigned. And that will quickly become a problem, because unsigned rookies cannot participate in training camp. As of now, the whys behind him remaining unsigned are not known, but many rookies are looking to have a fully guaranteed rookie contract. Is that what is keeping Tuimoloau from signing? And what could it mean come next week, when Colts training camp starts?
Let's look at the Los Angeles Chargers for an example - wide receiver Tre Harris has taken a hardline as an official training camp holdout, and there are concerns that other second round picks will follow his lead.
First round picks have their contracts fully guaranteed, which means Warren will see all of the $20.96 million he signed for. But second round picks only see their first two years guaranteed - and second round picks are apparently taking a stand. If the second round picks actually are standing together, the Colts could be in big trouble. After all, there's a big difference between Tuimoloau and a few other second-rounders holding out for a better deal on their own, and 30 second-rounders collectively saying they want a guarantee. And the only two second-rounders who have signed - Cleveland's Carson Schwesinger and Houston's Jayden Higgins - both received fully guaranteed contracts.
Colts rookies must report to training camp on July 21st, with the first practice on July 23rd. That gives the Colts just a few more days to get this deal finalized... or see their second round pick become a holdout, too.