It’s been a quiet year for the Atlanta Falcons 2024 NFL draft class so far, but that was to be expected after the team selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. a month after signing Kirk Cousins in free agency.
Second-round Ruke Orhorhoro was placed on the injured reserve list with an ankle injury in Week 9 while third-rounder Bralen Trice suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason.
As for fourth-round pick Brandon Dorlus, the rookie has yet to be active for a single game in 2024. However, the former Oregon standout could finally make his Falcons debut in Week 11.
Head coach Raheem Morris said there was a good chance Dorlus would be active for this Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.
Morris mentions the possible emergence of DL Brandon Dorlus this week. There’s a “good chance” he’ll be active. And he’s done a “magnificent job” in practice. #Falcons
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) November 13, 2024
Dorlus was considered a good value pick in the fourth round but the team’s depth on the defensive line has made it tough for him to get on the field this season. Here’s what Pro Football Focus wrote about Dorlus back in April.
Dorlus was a force for the Ducks in 2023, as his 46 quarterback pressures ranked third among draft-eligible defensive tackles. His 134 total pressures since 2021 is the best mark among players at the position over that span. — PFF
Players like Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, Ta’Quon Graham and Zach Harrison have stood in his way. With Graham’s status for Week 11 up in the air, it has opened the door for Dorlus’ potential debut.
The former Oregon Ducks defensive lineman is listed behind Graham on the depth chart and it appears he will be the next man up this weekend against the Broncos. Sunday’s game kicks off at 4:05 p.m. ET in Denver.
