Lou Anarumo has found the Colts' Sam Hubbard with JT Tuimoloau signing

Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo had to have woken up Saturday with a smile on his face. In the second round of the NFL Draft, the Colts took Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau, and the comparisons to one of Anarumo's star players with the Cincinnati Bengals was immediate. The hope is that Tuimoloau will be Anarumo's version of Sam Hubbard for the Colts.

During his career with the Bengals, Hubbard was overseen by Anarumo, who helped him develop into a powerful, consistent player who helped the Bengals on their road to the Super Bowl. In the 104 games he played, Hubbard racked up 398 tackles, 236 solo tackles, 55 tackles for loss, 98 QB hits, and 38.5 sacks. He was also a leader for his team, which is something the Colts defense needs.

There are a lot of similarities between Hubbard and Tuimoloau; they are both strong, physical players known for causing chaos in the pocket and disrupt offenses. It seems likely that Anarumo will use Tuimoloau in similar schemes as he did with Hubbard.

This fills an immediate need for the Colts, who lost Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency, and could lose Kwity Paye, too, if they can't work out a contract extension. Tuimoloau is also a great run defender, in addition to his skill as a pass rusher. Paired with Laiatu Latu and DeForest Buckner, Tuimoloau will help the Colts defense rise from one of the laughingstocks on the league to a unit to be truly feared.

“I felt really fortunate to get him. I think everyone would tell you that in our (draft) room," Ballard said in his post-draft press conference. “There was a 3-game stretch in the playoffs that he was excellent. I think he ended up having like 6.5 sacks between Tennessee, Texas, and Notre Dame, where he was outstanding. He’s got some unique qualities. He’s a big guy. He’s a really good athlete. He can bend. He knows how to rush. He’s got good length. Now we’re excited to get him.”

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