Son of Brad signed as a UDFA.
Lance Zurlein: Try-hard interior defender lacking the necessary size and length to fit cleanly into a position at the next level. Culpepper’s father, Brad, played for nine years in the NFL, so the bloodlines are strong. His sack total spiked in 2023 thanks to extended effort and a solid rush plan. Teams will need to take a look at his 2022 run defense to get a better feel for how he can play in a one-gapping scheme, as he was often overwhelmed against bigger blockers in 2023 when asked to read and react. Culpepper is unlikely to hear his name called on draft day and will be a long shot to make a roster.
From Sporting News:
On Dec. 6, 2023, four days after participating in the 2023 MAC Championship Game, Toledo defensive tackle Judge Culpepper received life-changing news.
He was diagnosed with Stage 1 testicular cancer.
Processing such terrifying news can be beyond heartbreaking for a 24-year old athlete, but Culpepper worked his hardest to fight the diagnosis. He immediately underwent surgery and in the week leading up to Toledo’s Dec. 30 Arizona Bowl, Culpepper was ruled cancer-free.
Not only was Culpepper clear of the cancer, but he was cleared to play football. He suited up and started the Arizona Bowl, finalizing his 6-year college career at Toledo — without even missing a single game due to the cancer diagnosis.
Nice dig. To this point, he definitely has shown the same determination that characterized his dad’s career. Hope he can be as successful.
Bucs didn't re-sign O'Connor so there is room for him to stick. Bucs do need a rotational DT for sure.
