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 detail the moments that solidified the decision to draft each member of their 2024 draft class. For eight consecutive weeks, these stories will be told.

Last week, the focus was on Bralen Trice’s “The Enforcer” nickname and its significance to the Falcons during the scouting process. This week, attention turns to another defensive lineman, Brandon Dorlus, selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.

When the Falcons drafted Brandon Dorlus with the No. 109 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, he was described as a "tweener" by the broadcast team—a term used for a defensive lineman who does not fit a particular physical mold.

"He is a tweener in terms of versatility on the defensive line," said Michael Ross, Falcons assistant director of college scouting. "He can play inside; he can play outside. They played him at multiple weights over his years (at Oregon). But this year he was more inside and just his ability to penetrate as a pass rusher really stands out on film."

Versatility is highly valued by the Falcons' front office under general manager Terry Fontenot. This trait has been emphasized repeatedly in discussions about their draft picks.

"The more you can do, the better off you are," Ross stated.

Falcons defensive line coach Jay Rodgers highlighted that teams look for players who can fill specific niches or possess "redeeming qualities."

"I think it's very difficult in the NFL to acquire players who are top level, Hall of Famers in both run and pass defense," Rodgers said. "So you're always looking for guys with redeeming qualities like 'What can they do to help the team?' And this guy's redeeming quality? It's the pass rush, and it's really good."

Over his final three seasons at Oregon, Dorlus accumulated 134 pressures with 12 sacks. Rodgers elaborated on what stood out when evaluating Dorlus' tape: "The speed, effort, dynamic ability to use his hands... That's what you see on tape."

Dorlus also showed incremental improvements during his time at Oregon. His ability to bat down passes increased from two deflections in each of 2021 and 2022 seasons to eight in 2023.

"You don't affect the quarterback unless you're there close enough," Rodgers noted. "There's two ways you can get quarterback hits: sacks or batting down balls."

In-person evaluations also played a crucial role. The Senior Bowl has been significant for Atlanta since Fontenot became general manager in 2021; Dorlus stood out this year.

"At the Senior Bowl, Brandon flashed," Ross said. "He dominated those opportunities."

Ultimately, it was Dorlus' performance at the Senior Bowl, dynamics on film, and statistical development that caught Atlanta's attention.

"This guy can get off the rock, create penetration and havoc in the backfield," Ross concluded. "Whether it's him making plays or helping others around him make plays—this guy's active."