The Atlanta Falcons came into the 2024 NFL Draft with a clear need to bolster their defensive front, and they believed they had addressed it by selecting Ruke Orhorhoro early in the second round. But as Year 2 winds down, it's becoming harder to ignore the growing gap between expectations and on-field results. The former Clemson standout has struggled to find his footing, and when you stack his performance next to some of the players taken immediately after him, the miss feels even more pronounced.
Let’s start with what Atlanta passed on. Just four picks after the Falcons grabbed Orhorhoro at No. 35 overall, the Los Angeles Rams traded up to snag Braden Fiske - and that move is already paying serious dividends.
Fiske has been a revelation in his rookie season, racking up 8.5 sacks, 44 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits. Those aren't just solid numbers - they’re difference-making production from a defensive tackle, and they’ve helped solidify a Rams defensive line that’s quickly becoming one of the most disruptive units in the league.
Meanwhile, Orhorhoro has had a much bumpier ride. According to Pro Football Focus, Fiske owns a 65.5 grade, ranking him 43rd out of 129 qualified defensive tackles.
Orhorhoro, on the other hand, sits near the bottom of that list with a 36.9 grade - 123rd out of 129. That’s a steep drop-off, especially considering how close the two were selected.
Now, it’s important to acknowledge that Orhorhoro is still relatively new to the game. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, he didn’t start playing football until high school, so there’s a rawness to his game that’s still being refined.
And to be fair, there have been flashes - particularly in his ability to get after the quarterback. He’s registered 2.5 sacks this season, and his athletic traits and positional versatility hint at untapped upside.
But flashes don’t win games. Consistency does.
And that’s where the concern lies.
To make matters worse, Orhorhoro hasn’t just been outplayed by Fiske. He’s also been overshadowed by other rookies taken later in the same draft.
Brandon Dorlus, a fellow 2024 draftee selected two rounds later, has quietly been one of the most impactful defenders on Atlanta’s roster. Dorlus has not only outperformed Orhorhoro, but in some areas, he’s even broken franchise records.
Add in steady contributions from Zach Harrison and veteran David Onyemata, and it’s clear that Orhorhoro is currently on the outside looking in when it comes to the Falcons’ defensive line rotation.
Run defense has been a particular issue. While Dorlus and others have held their ground, Orhorhoro has struggled to anchor against the run - a critical trait for any interior lineman in today’s NFL.
And when you consider that players like Cooper DeJean, Johnny Newton, and Kool-Aid McKinstry were all still on the board when Atlanta made their pick, it’s hard not to wonder what could’ve been. Each of those defenders has made a more immediate impact and could have fit seamlessly into a Jeff Ulbrich-led defense that’s been trending upward.
The sting is even sharper when you consider the broader context. The Rams, already holding Atlanta’s 2026 first-round pick, continue to find ways to maximize their draft capital.
They saw something in Fiske and moved aggressively to get him - a move that’s now looking like a masterstroke. Meanwhile, the Falcons are left hoping that Orhorhoro’s physical tools and late-blooming background will eventually translate into consistent production.
For general manager Terry Fontenot, this is yet another draft decision that’s coming under scrutiny. And while it’s too soon to completely close the book on Orhorhoro’s potential, the early returns are hard to ignore. In a year where several rookies have stepped in and made instant impacts, Atlanta’s second-round pick hasn’t yet lived up to the billing.
There’s still time, and Orhorhoro’s story isn’t finished. But right now, the Falcons are looking at what could have been - and the Rams are reaping the benefits.