When NFL teams make their picks in the first couple of rounds in any given draft, the team should expect those players to have a fairly quick impact. For the Indianapolis Colts, first-round choice Tyler Warren certainly has. He is also likely only going to get better.
But not all of Indy's selections were terrific. While fifth-round choice DJ Giddens appears to be a steal at running back, second-round choice JT Tuimoloau hasn't been. In fact, he hasn't given Indy much of anything so far.
While it is too early to claim that any 2025 (or 2024, for that matter) is a bust, teams might already be rethinking what they did in the draft. Instead of the Colts choosing Tuimoloau, for instance, Indy could have had defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott.
Indianapolis Colts might already regret choosing JT Tuimoloau in the second round
Sure, Indianapolis doesn't necessarily need an interior defensive lineman currently, but NFL drafts aren't designed to make teams only good for a year or two. The players chosen should help well into the future. Norman-Lott could take the place of Grover Stewart, who is nearly 32 years old, in 2026 or the year after.
Tuimoloau hasn't been able to do anything for Indy so far, even though the team was down edge rusher Laiatu Latu in Week 2. Maybe Tuimoloau is not yet in NFL game shape after suffering a minor injury ahead of the season, but he should have been expected to be further along than he currently is.
To make matters worse, the Indianapolis Colts had so little trust in the Ohio State product that Indy made him a healthy scratch in Week 1. Rookies get better if they play in real games, even if they don't play much. Tuimoloau isn't going to help if he doesn't play.
The question right now isn't whether JT Tuimoloau is a bust because he isn't yet, but rather what player Indy could have chosen in his stead that would have had a more immediate impact.
NFL rookies don't get redshirt seasons. They shouldn't, at least. They get paid good money immediately, and they need to contribute as close to Week 1 of Year One as possible. Beginning a career as a healthy scratch is beginning a career with a hefty thud.
Whatever JT Tuimoloau showed the Indianapolis Colts staff ahead of the season wasn't impressive. He needs to be better and soon. Or general manager Chris Ballard should have great regret taking the edge rusher in the second round of 2025.