Atlanta Falcons Top Breakout Candidate in 2026

Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus has emerged as one of the most promising breakout candidates for the 2026 season. The 26-year-old, selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, has shown steady improvement and flashes of elite performance since joining the team. After spending much of his rookie season on the sideline, Dorlus made a significant impact during his sophomore campaign, recording 8.5 sacks in just 15 games, second-most by a defensive tackle in the league and the fourth-highest total for a Falcons player in the modern era of sack statistics. Dorlus, a former Oregon standout, finished his collegiate career with 27 tackles for loss and 12 sacks over five seasons, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors as a senior. He was a key contributor for the Ducks, often lining up as a traditional 3-technique defensive tackle. Despite his impressive college numbers, Dorlus struggled to find consistent playing time early in his NFL career. He appeared in only two games during his rookie season before being sidelined due to injury and coaching decisions. However, the 2025 season marked a turning point for Dorlus. With more opportunities and a stronger role in the Falcons' defensive scheme, he recorded 27 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hits. His 8.5 sacks came primarily in the latter half of the season, with four of them coming in his final five games. This late-season surge demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and adapt to the NFL’s faster pace. His production helped elevate the Falcons’ defensive line, particularly in critical moments of close games. Under the guidance of new defensive line coach Nate Ollie and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, Dorlus has continued to develop. The coaching staff has emphasized using him as a versatile pass-rushing threat, leveraging his athleticism and instincts. His ability to generate pressure from the interior has been a key asset, especially against mobile quarterbacks and dual-threat running backs. Advanced metrics support this narrative: Dorlus tallied 26 total pressures last season, combining effective pass rushing with solid run-stopping ability. His PFF grade of 63.5 placed him among the top performers in the league, while his run-defense rating of 61.6 ranked in the upper echelon of defensive linemen. The Falcons’ decision to move on from veteran starters David Onyemata and Ruke Orhorhoro has created a clear path for Dorlus to step into a larger role. Both players had been the primary contributors at their positions, leading the team in snaps and production. Their departures open the door for younger players to take on greater responsibilities, and Dorlus is positioned to lead that charge. With a full offseason of preparation and a more prominent role in the lineup, he is expected to play a pivotal part in shaping the Falcons’ defensive identity moving forward. As the 2026 season approaches, Dorlus will face increased expectations. His success in recent months suggests he is capable of delivering at a high level, but consistency and durability will be crucial factors in determining how far he can go. The Falcons’ coaching staff will look to build upon his progress, integrating him into a more complex defensive system. With the right support and continued growth, Dorlus could become a cornerstone of the team’s defense and a formidable force in the league’s interior pass rush.