Atlanta
Falcons

Brandon Dorlus is emerging as a prime candidate for a breakout season in 2026, earning high praise from ESPN. After a lost rookie year due to injury, Dorlus showcased his potential in 2025, recording 8.5 sacks before a late-season injury curtailed his campaign. Now entering his third year, Dorlus is generating significant buzz as a likely standout defender, rivaling Jalon Walker for the top spot in many predictions. ESPN's Benjamin Solak identified Dorlus as the Falcons' breakout pick, citing a "lightbulb coming on" for the young defensive lineman. Solak noted Dorlus' impressive sack total in the latter half of the 2025 season and his development from an edge rusher at Oregon to a player bulking up for interior work in Atlanta. Dorlus' ability to shed blocks and capitalize on plays, particularly as a looper or crasher in blitz packages, was highlighted as a key strength. While still described as more of a "tweener" than versatile, his 2025 performance validated the vision teams had for him. While the ESPN assessment contains minor inaccuracies regarding the timing and severity of his rookie season injury, the core observation of Dorlus's ascending trajectory is accurate. He arrived in Atlanta with a potent pass-rushing skillset, fitting seamlessly into the Falcons' aggressive defensive front. Had he been available for all 17 games, Dorlus likely would have surpassed double-digit sacks. His run defense was solid, with missed tackles being his most notable area for improvement. Dorlus's case for a breakout season is strengthened by a combination of existing production, room for further growth, and a clear opportunity. Despite a deep rotation along the defensive line, Dorlus consistently saw significant snaps, playing fewer than 22 snaps only once in 15 games. The Falcons' "go get the quarterback" mentality is perfectly aligned with Dorlus's talents. With significant changes upfront, including the departures of Ruke Orhorhoro and David Onyemata, Dorlus is poised to see an increased snap count, providing him with a prime chance to reach and potentially exceed the double-digit sack mark. While Jalon Walker might still be the consensus favorite for a singular breakout performer, Dorlus presents a compelling alternative. His blend of impactful play and the potential for further refinement, coupled with expanded playing time, makes him a strong bet to deliver a Pro Bowl-caliber season in 2026.