Eagles selected USC DT Marlon Tuipulotu with the No. 189 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Tuipulotu (6'3/305) is a member of a prestigious familial line of USC standouts that includes DT Fili Moala, S Talanoa Hufanga and his brother Tuli Tuipulotu. A three-year starter, the Trojans’ star registered 1,336 snaps, 104 tackles, 3 PBU, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 47 pressures. He brings a workmanlike disposition to the game while splitting his reps from zero-to-three tech. Tuipulotu plays with incredible strength and control as a determined run defender who is adept at exploiting edges and powering through blocks despite being undersized as a nose. He was a 2020 first-team All-Pac-12 performer who had his best season while shouldering extra responsibility with fellow IDL Jay Tufele opting out. Tuipulotu lacks diversity in his pass-rushing move-set and is unlikely to develop into a three-down contributor, but he can chew up blocks in the run game in a way similar to New York Jets DT Foley Fatukasi. With Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave already established on the interior of Philly’s defensive line, Tuipulotu will have to stand out as a run-stuffer to see the field as a rookie.
