Tuli Tuipulotu's Development in the Los Angeles Chargers System

When the Los Angeles Chargers selected Tuli Tuipulotu in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of USC, they saw a raw but talented defensive lineman with the potential to grow into a staple of their front seven. Two seasons later, that potential is becoming reality: Tuipulotu has evolved from a practice-squad regular to a reliable rotational defender, using the Chargers’ player development system to refine his technique, boost his strength, and carve out a role in one of the NFL’s most competitive defenses. Tuli Tuipulotu's Development in the Los Angeles Chargers System explores how the Chargers’ coaching staff, veteran leaders, and structured training programs have shaped Tuipulotu’s growth—and why he’s emerging as a critical piece of the team’s long-term defensive plans. For a franchise that prides itself on building through the draft, Tuipulotu’s journey is a blueprint for how to turn promising rookies into consistent contributors.

Tuli Tuipulotu's Development in the Los Angeles Chargers System begins with his rookie season in 2024, a year defined by learning and limited reps. As a rookie, Tuipulotu spent most of his time on the practice squad, where he focused on mastering the basics: NFL-level pass-rushing moves, reading offensive line schemes, and adjusting to the speed of the professional game. He appeared in just six games, playing 12% of the Chargers’ defensive snaps and recording 5 tackles and 1 quarterback hit—modest numbers, but ones that reflected his steady progress. The Chargers’ coaching staff took a patient approach, pairing him with defensive line coach Giff Smith for daily one-on-one drills and assigning veteran defensive end Joey Bosa as his “mentor.” Bosa, a Pro Bowl staple, taught Tuipulotu how to use his 6-foot-2, 290-pound frame to his advantage—specifically, how to leverage his lower-body strength to push past offensive tackles and how to time his pass rushes to avoid double teams. “Rookie year was all about absorbing as much as possible,” Tuipulotu said in a 2025 interview. “Coach Smith and Joey didn’t just teach me football skills—they taught me how to be a professional. That laid the groundwork for everything that came next.”

Tuli Tuipulotu's Development in the Los Angeles Chargers System delves into his breakout 2025 season, where he’s transformed from a depth piece to a key rotational player. Through the first 14 weeks of the season, Tuipulotu has played 40% of the Chargers’ defensive snaps, recording 28 tackles, 4 sacks, and 8 quarterback hits—stats that already surpass his rookie totals by a wide margin. His growth is most evident in his pass-rushing repertoire: where he once relied on a simple bull rush, he now mixes in spin moves, swim moves, and quick inside cuts to keep offensive linemen off balance. In Week 10 against the Denver Broncos, Tuipulotu showcased his improved skills, sacking quarterback Russell Wilson twice—once with a swim move that left Broncos tackle Mike McGlinchey grasping at air, and once with a spin move that split two blockers. Smith credits Tuipulotu’s work ethic for the leap: “Tuli is the first player in the weight room every morning and the last to leave after practice. He watches film on his own time, asks smart questions, and applies what he learns immediately. That’s the kind of player who gets better fast.”

Tuli Tuipulotu's Development in the Los Angeles Chargers System examines how the Chargers’ system has tailored his role to his strengths—specifically, his ability to excel as both a pass-rusher and run-stopper. Unlike many young defensive linemen who specialize in one area, Tuipulotu has become a three-down player, thanks to the Chargers’ focus on versatility. In passing situations, he lines up at defensive tackle or end, using his quickness to pressure quarterbacks; in run situations, he shifts to nose tackle, where his strength lets him clog gaps and stop running backs at the line of scrimmage. This flexibility has made him invaluable: he’s the only Chargers defensive lineman to play at least 30% of snaps in all three defensive packages (base, nickel, dime). The Chargers’ coaching staff has also designed specific plays to highlight his skills—for example, using him in “stunt packages” where he loops around Bosa or Odafe Oweh to create mismatches with slower offensive guards. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Tuipulotu’s versatility solves a common NFL problem: how to maintain defensive consistency when rotating players. “Tuli can do it all,” said Chargers defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley. “He can rush the passer, stop the run, and play multiple positions. That lets us keep our best players fresh without sacrificing performance—that’s a huge win for our defense.”

Tuli Tuipulotu's Development in the Los Angeles Chargers System explores the role of strength and conditioning in his growth, a key part of the Chargers’ player development program. When Tuipulotu joined the team in 2024, he struggled with upper-body strength, often getting pushed back by larger offensive linemen. The Chargers’ strength staff designed a custom program for him, focusing on building core stability and upper-body power—including exercises like bench presses, pull-ups, and medicine ball throws. By the start of the 2025 season, Tuipulotu had added 15 pounds of muscle and increased his bench press by 40 pounds, allowing him to hold his ground against double teams and push past blockers with more force. The staff also worked on his agility, adding ladder drills and cone drills to his routine to improve his lateral quickness—a skill that’s critical for evading offensive linemen in tight spaces. “The strength and conditioning program changed my game,” Tuipulotu said. “I used to get pushed around, but now I can stand my ground and even push back. That confidence makes a huge difference when I’m on the field.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this focus on physical development is just as important as technical coaching—it ensures that rookies have the tools to compete at the NFL level, even if they’re not physically ready on day one.

Tuli Tuipulotu's Development in the Los Angeles Chargers System wraps up with his long-term future with the team—and what his growth means for the Chargers’ defensive legacy. At just 23 years old, Tuipulotu is under team control for three more seasons, giving the Chargers a cost-effective, young defender to pair with Bosa, Oweh, and defensive tackle Austin Johnson. His emergence also means the Chargers may not need to spend a high draft pick or free-agent contract on a defensive lineman in the near future, freeing up resources to address other needs (like secondary depth or offensive line help). Beyond the roster implications, Tuipulotu’s journey is a testament to the Chargers’ commitment to draft development—a reminder that patience and structured coaching can turn second-round picks into long-term contributors. For fans, Tuipulotu has become a fan favorite, with his energetic celebrations and underdog story resonating with Chargers Nation. “Tuli is the kind of player you root for,” said one fan on the Chargers’ official forum. “He came in quiet, worked hard, and now he’s making plays. That’s what being a Charger is all about.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Tuipulotu’s development isn’t just a success story—it’s a sign that their draft-and-develop model is working. As he continues to grow, he’ll likely become a starter and a leader in the Chargers’ front seven—ensuring that the team’s defense remains elite for years to come.