Tuli Tuipulotu's Growth with the Los Angeles Chargers Defense

When the Los Angeles Chargers drafted Tuli Tuipulotu (6’4”, 265 lbs) in the 2024 second round, they bet on his raw potential as an edge rusher. As a rookie, he showed flashes—3.5 sacks, 8 quarterback hits—but lacked consistency, struggling with run defense and double teams. By 2025, the 23-year-old has evolved into a core defender, joining Joey Bosa and Bud Dupree to form a fearsome trio. Tuli Tuipulotu's Growth with the Los Angeles Chargers Defense tracks his journey from prospect to playmaker, highlighting key adjustments and his role in the Chargers’ Super Bowl push. For Los Angeles, his progress is proof of their young talent development.

Tuli Tuipulotu's Growth with the Los Angeles Chargers Defense starts with his 2025 statistical surge. Through 12 weeks, he has 6.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and 7 tackles for loss—nearly doubling his rookie output. Crucially, he delivers in pressure moments: a Week 5 sack of Joe Burrow preserved a 21-17 win over Cincinnati, and a Week 9 strip-sack led to a touchdown against New England. “He’s gone from occasional plays to a weekly contributor,” said defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley. Tuipulotu credits offseason work—film study with line coach Giff Smith, lower-body strength training, and refined hand technique. “Last year I survived; this year I aim to dominate,” he said.

Tuli Tuipulotu's Growth with the Los Angeles Chargers Defense next spotlights his run defense turnaround. In 2024, he allowed 4.8 yards per rush (bottom-10 among edge rushers); in 2025, that’s down to 2.3. Week 7 against Denver exemplified this: he held Javonte Williams to 3 yards on four carries, including a third-and-1 tackle for loss that forced a punt. “Run defense was my flaw,” Tuipulotu admitted. “Coach Smith taught me to set the edge—stay low, shed blockers, avoid overcommitting.” Ansley added: “Tuli clogs lanes, letting linebackers flow to the ball. He’s the glue of our run defense.”

Tuli Tuipulotu's Growth with the Los Angeles Chargers Defense also emphasizes mentorship from Bosa and Dupree. Bosa, since 2024 camp, shared film breakdowns and pass-rush tweaks; Dupree, who joined in 2025, focused on mental resilience. “They’re teachers, not just teammates,” Tuipulotu said. “Joey showed me to use my length; Bud taught patience.” Bosa praised his work ethic: “Tuli asks questions and applies lessons—ideal to mentor.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this pipeline secures the defense’s future. “We’re building for years, not just one season,” Dupree said. “Tuli’s central to that.”

Tuli Tuipulotu's Growth with the Los Angeles Chargers Defense then explores his role in the “three-headed monster” pass rush (25 combined sacks, third in the AFC). Unlike Bosa (speed/power) and Dupree (quickness/technique), Tuipulotu is a hybrid—lining up as end or stand-up linebacker. Week 11 against Cleveland, he beat tight end David Njoku with a spin move to sack Deshaun Watson. “Tuli forces offenses to plan for three threats,” Ansley said. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this versatility has led to 32 team sacks (fourth in NFL). “He creates one-on-ones for all of us,” Bosa said.

Tuli Tuipulotu's Growth with the Los Angeles Chargers Defense concludes with his long-term impact. Under contract through 2027, he’s a cost-controlled pairing with Bosa (2024 extension), making LA attractive to future draft picks. Fans love him too—“Tuli Time” signs fill SoFi Stadium. “This city embraced me; I want to give back,” he said. In the playoffs, he’ll key efforts against Kansas City and Baltimore. Ultimately, his story is one of hard work and mentorship. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Tuipulotu isn’t just promising—he’s a defensive cornerstone, vital to chasing a Super Bowl.