South Atlanta News

Finding Falcons is a series that ventures beyond Atlanta's decision to draft a specific player and reveals the reasons behind doing so. Exclusive interviews with Falcons position coaches, area scouts, and decision-makers at the top detail the moments that solidified the decision to draft each of the men who make up their 2024 draft class. For eight consecutive weeks, these stories will be told.

Last week, the story of how Michael Penix Jr. solidified the Falcons’ conviction to draft him No. 8 overall was detailed. This week, attention shifts to the second round, spotlighting Ruke Orhorhoro's journey to Atlanta.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – As the Falcons' southeast area scout, Shepley Heard is familiar with the facilities at Clemson University and understands how head coach Dabo Swinney runs his practices. He has reliable sources and knows whom to consult for honest information about players on his radar.

Over the years, one player who consistently appeared on that radar was Ruke Orhorhoro. Heard did what any good scout would do: he asked questions and sought answers.

Conversations are an integral part of the scouting process. Without information flow about a player, teams like the Falcons cannot feel confident in drafting him. Film can only tell half of the story; conversations with those who know the player best add significant weight.

What's notable about these conversations between Falcons scouts and Clemson coaches and personnel is that they sometimes start with simple questions.

"Who is that?"

A few years ago, well before Orhorhoro declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, this was Heard’s question as he watched Orhorhoro practice. This question sparked further inquiries and kept Heard focused on Orhorhoro even as other prospects came and went.

What Heard saw and heard about Orhorhoro extended beyond his physical frame of 6-foot-4 and 294 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine.

"He's a big guy, yes, but he brings a lot of energy," Heard said. "You walk out to practice and he's the one that's got juice. He's running around. He's vocal. He's getting guys going."

From first practice to last, this energy was consistent in Orhorhoro’s performance.

"He's always been that guy," Heard said. "They've always talked about him in terms of energy, hard work, and leadership."

Orhorhoro's character complements his physical abilities which often catch people's attention first.

Take Jay Rodgers, Orhorhoro's new position coach as an example. Rodgers didn't have firsthand exposure to Orhorhoro at practice but relied on tape instead.

Quickly assessing from tape alone, Rodgers concluded that Orhorhoro "has the profile to be a really good football player in the National Football League."

"He does some things that a lot of other people can't do," Rodgers noted due to Orhorhoro’s unique capabilities.

These capabilities include using his length effectively against opponents, utilizing power for defensive maneuvers, and speed for disengaging blocks—traits essential for success on defense.

"There are many plays directed away from him due to his presence," Rodgers explained—an asset valuable especially given veteran defensive tackles Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata nearing career ends necessitating reliable youth infusion upfront.

Enter versatile Orhorhoro whose skills allow diverse placement across defensive lines—a trait highly valued by Falcon’s management since Terry Fontenot assumed general manager role in 2021 despite coaching staff changes valuing versatility remains evident still today

Rodgers reiterates annually within defensive line rooms: "The more you can do—the more you get done."

In essence fitting perfectly—Orhorhoro provides multiple options through varied skillsets enabling strategic placements

"You feel like he's almost clay ready-to-mold continuously improving," stated Heard expressing hopes ultimately leading towards Atlanta acquiring such talent needing energetic versatile linemen fulfilling organizational requirements

"He's everything we preach from scouting standpoint representing desired qualities bringing into team,” concluded Heard summarizing core rationale behind selecting Ruke Orhorhoro reflecting thorough evaluative processes involved

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