The Falcons continue to address the defensive line.
The Atlanta Falcons got their Day 3 of the NFL Draft underway by selecting DT/DE Brandon Dorlus out of Oregon with the 109th overall pick, in the 4th round.
Dorlus brings good size (6’3, 283 pounds) and versatility to the Falcons’ defensive line, with the ability to play in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 scheme, who features very heavy hands and a very powerful build generated from a compact frame.
Oregon DE Brandon Dorlus to the #Falcons. pic.twitter.com/mhT1H1R9zp
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 27, 2024
The Falcons have continued to address the defensive line with a third consecutive pick, really investing in the trenches on that side of the ball after their initial selection of Michael Penix Jr. in the first round. Dorlus might be a better fit on the interior of that defensive line, but he has played on the edge in the past as well.
The combine testing for Dorlus (4.8 40 time, 1.68 10-yard split, 9’3 broad jump, 7.43 3-cone), was not great if the team will use him as an edge, but if he’s looked at as a defensive tackle, the testing looks much better.
Dorlus was a First-Team All-Pac 12 selection in both 2021 and 2023 (and Second-Team All-Pack 12 in 2022), leading the Ducks with 5.0 sacks, having 6.5 tackles for loss and 8 pass breakups last season after leading the team with 9.5 tackles for loss in 2022. His 134 QB pressures since 2021 led all DTs.
In an ideal scenario the Falcons have another really strong pass rusher from the interior of the defensive line with this selection, in what has suddenly become a very defensive line heavy draft. The Training Camp and Preseason battle along the defensive line figures to be very fierce this season.
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