League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Trades

ESPN names Brandon Dorlus as Falcons' breakout candidate for 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 8, 2026, 4:01 PM

Last updated Jul 8, 2026

ESPN names Brandon Dorlus as Falcons' breakout candidate for 2026 season

Summary

ESPN has selected Brandon Dorlus, a defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons, as a breakout candidate for the 2026 NFL season. Dorlus, a former fourth-round pick, contributed to the team's defensive improvement last year, which saw the Falcons record a franchise-high 57 sacks. With the departure of Grady Jarrett, Dorlus emerged as a key player, complemented by a robust secondary. The Falcons added Maason Smith to bolster their defensive line, aiming to enhance their already improving pass rush under coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Dorlus recorded a career-high 8.5 sacks last season.
•The Falcons ranked second in the NFL with 57 total sacks.
•Brandon Dorlus is viewed as critical for filling the void left by Grady Jarrett.
•Atlanta's secondary is considered to be close to elite.
•Maason Smith's acquisition aims to strengthen the defensive line.

Latest Updates