Rookie Profile: Brandon Dorlus, Defensive Linemen, Atlanta Falcons
Welcome to the Rookie Profile for Brandon Dorlus, a 3-star prospect out of Deerfield Beach High School in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He had 29 offers before committing to Virginia Tech in 2018. However, a few days after committing he decommitted and visited Oregon. Five days later he officially committed to Oregon.
His freshman season would give him minimal action through 5 games. In 2020 he did see an uptick in playing 2 more games but still had a minimal role.
Dorlus started to get rolling in his third season. He became a lead defender for Oregon playing through 13 games. As an impact rusher off the edge, he gained 25 total tackles with 2 pass breakups and 2.5 sacks.
In his fourth season, he got after the ball carriers. He would go on to have a career-high in tackles with 39 total. Plus, adding 2 pass breakups and 2.5 sacks.
Finally, in his fifth and final collegiate season, he understood how to utilize his skill set. He did only get 25 total tackles. But the upside was his impact at the line. He had 9 pass breakups. Plus, 5 sacks showing his ability to get behind the line and attack.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 4 Pick 9 (109)
- I am not overly pleased with the capital spent on Dorlus, as I had him as a Day-2 pick.
- On the other hand, being their first pick on Day 3 after drafting two other defensive linemen Day 2 does excite me a little. As an early Day-3 pick it shows the Falcons want everything they can have to improve their defensive line.
Landing Spot- Atlanta Falcons
- Part of me is stoked to see Dorlus on the Falcons roster. Why? They desperately need help on their defensive line. So much so, that I had them drafting Dallas Turner in the first round. (They drafted QB Michael Penix Jr.)
- As mentioned above, the Falcons drafted two defensive linemen before taking Dorlus in the 4th. They drafted Clemson Interior lineman Ruke Orhorhoro and Washington Edge rusher Bralen Trice. The benefit becomes the competition is starting fresh in Atlanta just like Dorlus is.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Developmental Defensive Lineman
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
The Atlanta Falcons need help in their run defense. Dorlus is a versatile lineman who can play inside or out. He uses his long reach to bring down ball carriers or disrupt a pass by swatting the ball down. This may get him to see the field quicker.
I do not believe Dorlus will have much fantasy impact in year one as I think he will play more of a rotational depth piece. I am drafting him late to add him to my taxi squad. Dorlus is the type of player that needs to get his feet wet before making an impact. He has the potential to be a starter. So, draft him, add him to the taxi, and next year we revisit his opportunity.
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
