SB Nation's Chris Plum labeled six sleepers from the 2024 NFL draft that either can make an impact in their rookie year or have ended up in an advantageous spot to showcase their talents. For Atlanta Falcons rookie Brandon Dorlus, seems to have fallen in the latter category, despite the competition in front of him to make an immediate impact.
There are a couple factors that can contribute to defenders finding success.
The first is, obviously, fit within the overall scheme. Another is playing on a team with an offense that forces their opponents out of their game plan and into having to throw in order to keep up. Having an offense that can make opponents be one-dimensional and predictable is an incredible advantage for a defense. The addition of Kirk Cousins could accomplish that for the Falcons.
Brandon Dorlus will have to fight for playing time and he doesn’t quite have a clear path to the field, at least not right away. He’s currently behind veteran Grady Jarrett, 2023 third-round pick Zach Harrison, and 2024 second-round pick Ruke Orhorhoro at defensive end in the Falcons’ 3-4 defense. But the Falcons were in pretty dire need of pass rush help. Arnold Ebiketie is their best returning pass rusher with six sacks.
When Dorlus was drafted in the fourth round, it was reminiscent of Atlanta's selection of Clark Phillips III in last year's draft. The optimism in the fanbase, the praise around league circles, the questions about how he dropped out of the top 100 to begin with, these feelings are all very familiar.
Then, Plum outlined how Dorlus' "versatile frame and skill set" will be utilized quickly underneath head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake's defense.
Dorlus has a very versatile frame and skill set, which allowed him to play all over the Oregon defensive front, from 2-technique defensive tackle to rush linebacker. He’s an experienced player who comes to the NFL with a good understanding of hand usage, pass rush moves and countermoves, as well as leverage. Dorlus is more of a power player than a speed rusher, but finding a path to the field on running downs could lead coaches to give him opportunities in more situations.
It’s also notable that new head coach Raheem Morris was the Rams’ defensive coordinator last year. Rams’ rookie edge Byron Young emerged from the third round with 8 sacks, 8 tackles for a loss, 19 QB hits, and 2 forced fumbles. One of Morris’ strengths is maximizing his players’ potential, and he won’t be beholden to veterans from the previous regime.
This draft marked the future of the Falcons in more ways than one. From picking Michael Penix, Jr. in the first round to taking Dorlus and Orhorhoro on days two and three, the Falcons are looking to compete in the short-term with guys like Jarrett and Onyemata while getting ready for the future through getting high-upside, developmental guys in the draft like Dorlus.
Alongside sixth-round receiver Casey Washington, Dorlus projects to be another potential sleeper talent that the Falcons stole from this year's draft.
