With the 189th pick in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Eagles selected defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu out of USC.

"It's funny, my oldest brother, he's a big Eagles fan, so every Sunday when he is watching the NFL he's always talking about his Eagles," Tuipulotu said during a virtual conference call with reporters. "Just understanding them as a D-line, they have a pretty experienced and very talented D-line with Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave and Brandon Graham, so I'm just excited to go up there and learn from those guys pretty much."

At 6-2, 307 pounds, the 21-year-old Tuipulotu was a three-year starter along the defensive line, posting 104 tackles, 15 tackles loss, and 8.5 sacks in 33 career games (29 starts). Tuipulotu was named a first-team All-Pac-12 selection this past season as a redshirt junior.

"Just continuing to stay dedicated in quarantine. I know this was a crazy year this past year in 2020, so just trying to say consistent with my training and things like that so once the season did happen, I was ready," Tuipulotu said. "That's where I felt like I took the next step, and then just continuing to get better with USC and my coaches as well."

Tuipulotu grew up in Gardena, California before moving to Independence, Oregon for high school. Tuipulotu never played competitive football until high school and wound up earning numerous Defensive Player of Year awards at both the local and state levels, and even landed on some high school All-American teams. He also wrestled and won the state 285-pound title as a junior.

Tuipulotu played with his younger brother, Tuli, at USC and his cousin, Talanoa Hufanga, who was drafted in the fifth round by the 49ers. Tuipulotu's other cousin, Fili Moana, was a second-round pick at defensive tackle and played seven years in the NFL.

"Excited to be an Eagle, and I feel like I can bring depth to the Eagles' defensive line," he said. "Then I'm a solid run defender, I have strong hands. I'm violent and excited to just learn from those other guys, too."

Scouting Report

"He was at the Senior Bowl. Had a really strong week. Really heavy-handed guy. Can play the run. Get off blocks. Got to spend time with him down there. He made a really favorable impression with us in a young defensive tackle that we're excited to add to our group," said Andy Weidl.