Atlanta Falcons second-year defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus is expected to become a cornerstone of the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive line, showcasing raw talent, relentless effort, and a constant drive to improve.He will  be expected to fill the void left by Grady Jarrett. A former fourth-round pick out of Oregon, Dorlus has defied expectations to establish himself as a key contributor and a player to watch on Atlanta’s defensive front.
One of Dorlus’s strongest attributes is his reliability. He plays with intensity on every snap, rarely easing up even when fatigued or facing double teams. He didn’t play much as a rookie however he should expect to see a greater number of snaps this season.
In an article by Terrin Waack, defensive line coach Nate Ollie discusses the growth and progress of Dorlus during the offseason.
“Brandon is like our special, what you call, a utility weapon,” Ollie said. “Brandon’s gonna have to do some stuff inside and we’re gonna put Brandon out on the edge this year.”
Dorlus Expanding Role
Brandon will play more of a larger role as he will be playing some defensive end this season. He’s comfortable lining up at multiple spots along the defensive line especially using his strength to anchor inside against the run, then sliding outside with surprising quickness when the situation calls for it. His technique continues to sharpen every season, with noticeable improvements in his hand usage, pad level, and gap control.
“It’s very similar to what I played in college,” Dorlus said. “Played a little on the edge on first and second down. Third down, moved inside. … I like the defensive line. It’s very fun to play in. It’s not just sitting back in one position. I love to switch it up.”
The Falcons will need Brandon to take another step to improve the defense this season. He has all the physical tools to become a good player as the Falcons will look to tap into his potential. It will not surprise many if he becomes one of the leaders on the defense this season as he has good leadership skills from his days as a Duck.
Dorlus Year Two
As the Falcons continue to develop their front seven, Dorlus’s steady presence and rising performance make him a key building block in Atlanta’s defensive foundation. For most defensive linemen throughout the NFL, the improvement is in the second season. For example, Dorlus is no longer reacting he is anticipating and his get-off at the snap is more explosive. He is now winning battles with refined hand-fighting and leverage control. Where he once hesitated, he now attacks with confidence.
“Just excited about working with Dorlus,” Ollie said, “like what he can do and just really unlocking everything about him.”
His rare blend of versatility, strength, and football smarts gives the Falcons flexibility up front and projects a bright future. If he continues on his current path, Dorlus could become one of the premier defensive linemen in the league.
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