Indianapolis Colts‘ second-year defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau has a big opportunity in front of him this summer to carve out a significant role on defense.
Entering OTAs and then training camp in July, the start spot at defensive end opposite of Laiatu Latu will be up for grabs.
“Man, just truly blessed for the opportunity to just go out there and do what I can to just help the team,” Tuimoloau said. “My rookie year, just being able to learn. Learn from the guys in front of me, Tyquan, Kwity, Samson, Latu, Buck, head to toe, from top to bottom. Just being able to gain just a lot of information, especially going into this offseason.
“Like I wanted to come back different. I had no vacation. Only vacation I had was going back to the family, playing golf. That was it. But other than that, it was just keeping my head down and just grinding. Just wanting to come back and come back in a different shape and come back looking better.”
A second-round pick by the Colts in 2025 NFL draft, Tuimoloau’s role as a rookie was relatively small. He played just 215 total defensive snaps the entire season, according to PFF.
But the experience gained last year has proven to be valuable as was having a full offseason to work on his craft rather than going through the pre-draft evaluation process.
“My goal was to just be as lean as possible and become more twitchy and a lot faster,” Tuimoloau said. “I think this is my first offseason having to not worry about no combine or pro day. So I actually got the time to sit back and really process what I wanted to get done and it was just leaning out to want to become bigger, stronger, faster in every area possible.”
Last year, Tuimolau said he played around 270 pounds, and now he is in the 265-266 pound range. Tuimoloau didn’t enter the offseason with the goal of dropping some weight, but that was the result of his efforts.
“I feel it,” he said. “From bending to my get-offs and to feeling more explosive. So, I’m excited.”
Also competing for snaps will be Arden Key and Micheal Clemons, two free agent additions. The Colts also added George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry in the NFL draft.
A more consistent pass rush presence alongside of Latu this season is a must for the Colts’ defense.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts DE Jaylahn Tuimoloau discusses offseason changes, opportunity ahead