Chargers Rookie LB Already Seeing Notable Differences Between College and the Pros
The Los Angeles Chargers did their thing during April's NFL Draft. As of now, they hit on all their draft picks, including their second-rounder from the University of Southern California, linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu.
The kid from Los Angeles will continue to showcase his talents in the city of Angeles, and he'll do it with one of the better teams in the NFL.
Tuipulotu shined in college and was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. However, he's learning quickly that the talent level is vastly different, and he wasn't sure to let us know about it.
Tuli told OC Register's Elliott Teaford that the NFL is miles and miles better than the collegiate level.
“Coming from where I’m from (USC), I know a lot of people talk smack about the Pac-12 offensive lines, but this, for sure, is different,” Tuipulotu said. “There’s not too big of a drop off from the (first-, second- and third-team linemen). I just have to keep competing and keep getting better with the pass rush.”
Imagine when he starts facing NFL superstars and starters. That is a different monster; however, Tuli is in the league for a reason, and when he gets comfortable, he will wreak havoc on opposing backfields.
It will be an adjustment period like it is for all rookies, but with a defensive-minded head coach and a stacked defense, Tuli will have his opportunities to shine.
We'll see what he has two weeks from now, but remember, Charger fans, it will take some time to adjust.
