Brandon Dorlus Is Emerging as a Force in Atlanta’s Defensive Revival
If you’re not paying attention to Brandon Dorlus, it’s time to change that. The second-year defensive lineman has quietly become one of the most impactful players on the Atlanta Falcons’ roster-and arguably the most valuable pick from their 2024 draft class.
Through 13 games this season, Dorlus has racked up seven sacks and ten tackles for loss. That kind of production isn’t just solid-it’s disruptive. And while much of the spotlight has rightfully landed on rookie sensation James Pearce Jr., Dorlus has been doing work in the trenches that deserves just as much recognition.
Let’s be clear: Pearce is having a historic rookie campaign, but his breakout shouldn’t overshadow what Dorlus is doing in Year 2. The former Oregon Duck has blossomed into a cornerstone piece on a defensive line that’s starting to look like the future of this franchise.
The Best of the 2024 Class?
When you take a step back and evaluate Atlanta’s 2024 draft class, Dorlus stands out-not just because of what he’s done, but because of how the rest of the class has fared. Michael Penix Jr. has had his ups and downs.
Ruke Orhorhoro has shown flashes but hasn’t been consistent. Bralen Trice hasn’t seen the field due to injury.
JD Bertrand has struggled, Jase McClellan is no longer with the team, Casey Washington hasn’t made much of an impact, and Zion Logue was picked up off the practice squad by the Bills.
That leaves Dorlus as the clear standout. Not only has he exceeded expectations, he’s become a legitimate difference-maker on a defense that’s quietly building something special.
From Benchwarmer to Breakout
It’s wild to look back at how underutilized Dorlus was during his rookie season. He played just two games in 2024.
That’s it. Former defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake kept him inactive for the first ten weeks, gave him a brief two-game stint, then benched him again for the final stretch of the season.
Fast forward to this year, and Dorlus is second on the team in sacks-and he’s doing it on a defense that ranks second in the NFL in total sacks. That’s not just a personal leap. That’s a transformation.
And it’s not just Dorlus. Atlanta has quietly assembled a young, hungry group of pass rushers who are starting to turn heads.
Alongside Dorlus, you’ve got Jalon Walker, Zach Harrison, James Pearce Jr., and Ruke Orhorhoro-all 24 years old or younger. That core group has combined for 27.5 of the team’s 48 sacks this season.
Let that sink in: Over half of the Falcons’ sack production is coming from players who haven’t even hit their prime yet.
Building the Future in the Trenches
The top four sack leaders for Atlanta this season? Pearce Jr.
(8), Dorlus (7), Walker (5.5), and Harrison (4.5). That’s a young quartet with serious upside-and they’re already producing at a high level.
For a team that’s had its share of struggles this season, that’s a reason to be optimistic. The Falcons may not be where they want to be in the standings, but they’re laying the foundation for a dominant front seven. And Dorlus is right at the heart of it.
He’s starting to generate some Pro Bowl buzz, and it’s well deserved. His blend of power, quickness, and relentless motor has made him a problem for opposing offensive lines.
And the best part? He’s just getting started.
Atlanta hasn’t had a pass-rush group with this much potential in a long time. If this young core continues to develop-and if Dorlus keeps ascending-the Falcons could be building one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the league.
So if you haven’t been watching No. 97 work on Sundays, now’s the time to start. Brandon Dorlus isn’t just a breakout player-he’s becoming a foundational piece in Atlanta’s defensive resurgence.