As the college football season barrels toward, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Brandon Dorlus.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Brandon Dorlus

Brandon Dorlus (DL – Oregon)

6-foot-3 | 290 pounds

Background:

Originally committed to Virginia Tech but ended up at Oregon, playing sparingly as a true freshman. (5-2.0-1.0). Rotated in a bit more the following year (14-2.0-1.0 over 259 snaps), then stepped into a starting role in 2021 and posted 25-7.0-2.5. Had a little bit more production as a junior (39-9.5-2.5) and is having another solid season thus far in 2023.

Positives:

Versatile, experienced defensive lineman who has played all over for the Ducks but is typically either a three-, five-, or seven-technique; even stands up on the edge at times. Plays a relatively high number of snaps for a player with his size, showing good energy and stamina. Has the polished game you’d expect from a fifth-year college player. Plays with good knee bend and a generally solid pad level, showing good flexibility. Does a nice job of using his hands to create separation from opposing blockers. Shows good awareness. Able to keep his head up, locate the football, and make stops between the tackles as a two-gap defender.

Shoulders generally stay square to the line, and he is able to dig in and hold the point of attack pretty well when run at. Shows solid range and effort in pursuit. Has some suddenness and lateral quickness to threaten gaps. Active with his hands to sift through blockers on passing downs. Work ethic keeps him in plays even when his initial rush is unsuccessful.

Negatives:

It’s possible some teams running odd fronts could view him as a bit shorter than their ideal five-technique. Can get a bit upright out of his stance at times in the passing game. Has had some trouble with missed tackles. Would like to see more of a consistent power element to his game; has lower-body strength but doesn’t commit to attacking and bull-rushing defenders very often. Too many plays where he ends up sliding laterally, trying to find a clear lane on passing downs and ending up idling near the line.

Summary:

An experienced, polished, and versatile defensive lineman who can do a little bit of everything, playing with the type of awareness and discipline to step into a pro rotation early in his career. May never be the type of lineman who’s going to blow away opponents with his first-step explosiveness or overwhelm them with his bull rush, but offers consistent down-to-down play. Should be able to effectively read and react as a two-gap lineman in the run game and create pressure on second effort in the passing game.

Projection: Round 2