The Atlanta Falcons have selected Clemson defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro with the 35th overall pick of the NFL Draft on Friday night, filling their need for a presence up front.

An NFL scout tells the NFL Analysis Network that the Falcons won’t be sorry with their choice.

“The Atlanta Falcons have desperately needed help on the defensive front,” the scout said. “Ruke is going to bring them just that. He’s a big body at 6-4 and almost 300 pounds. He has elite explosion off the line and excellent lateral quickness as well. He’s a raw talent, but if he develops in Atlanta, he’s going to be a threat in the middle of their line.”

Many felt Atlanta would address its defense in Round 1, but instead, the Falcons decided to take Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick, which came as a big surprise to most considering they signed Kirk Cousins in free agency.

But now, Atlanta decided to focus on its defense, and bringing in Orhorhoro is a particularly wise move after opting not to re-sign Calais Campbell.

Orhorhoro is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he registered 25 tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks.

The 22-year-old arrived at Clemson in 2019 but made minimal impact over his first two years. It wasn’t until 2021 that Orhorhoro started to flash his potential, finishing with 36 tackles, eight tackles for loss 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. Then, in 2022, he totaled 23 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks and a fumble recovery.

The Falcons actually were not a bad defensive team in 2023, but they definitely needed help up front and with their pass rush heading into 2024. Ruke Orhorhoro is a good start.

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