Pros and cons of Atlanta Falcons picking Clemson's Ruke Orhorhoro in 2024 NFL Draft

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Pros and cons of Atlanta Falcons picking Clemson's Ruke Orhorhoro in 2024 NFL Draft

Scott Keepfer, Greenville News · Greenville News

Fri, Apr 26, 2024 ·

3 min read

What Ruke Orhorhoro brings to the Falcons in 2024 NFL Draft

Orhorhoro showed his overall athleticism at the NFL Combine, which only enhanced his attractiveness to NFL scouts and likely helped convince the Falcons to select the 6-foot-4, 290-pounder. He finished second in the broad jump (9-8) among defensive tackles, third in the vertical jump (32-0) and fourth in the 40-yard dash (4.89). He also had the second-best clocking in the 10-yard split (1.67) and tied for second in bench press reps (29) with former Clemson teammate Tyler Davis.

"He ran great for a big guy," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said. "He's athletic. He wants to be great, and he's just touched the surface of what he can be."

He has a non-stop motor and his run-stuffing ability is unquestioned. Fellow ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid considered Orhorhoro "the best run-defending defensive lineman in this class."

Orhorhoro also will benefit from being able to tutor under Jarrett, who has been a cog in the Falcons' defense for nine seasons.

On the negative side, Orhorhoro's pass-rushing acumen could use some work. He's explosive and powerful, but needs to enhance his moves beyond a straightforward bull rush.

Ruke Orhorhoro's highlights, strengths, weaknesses at Clemson

An effervescent and fun-loving personality, Orhorhoro had plenty of highlights with the Tigers, particularly over his final three seasons, when he started 30 games and amassed 84 tackles. He earned third-team All-ACC honors as a senior.

Scouts describe Orhorhoro as explosive, long and naturally athletic – traits that he flashed in high school, initially as a basketball player. He averaged a double-double as a high school sophomore, leading his team to the state semifinals in basketball, and didn't play his first football game until the fall of his junior year.

Once he landed on the gridiron, he quickly gained acclaim for his raw talent and power and wound up with 24 schools seeking his talent, including offers from Clemson, Michigan, Michigan State, Oregon and Penn State, among others. It proved a rewarding pursuit for Clemson, as Orhorhoro became the latest in a growing lineage of standout defensive tackles in the program to wind up in the NFL.

Ruke Orhorhoro's stats at Clemson

Orhorhoro accumulated 97 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, including 12 sacks, nine pass breakups and two fumble recoveries over 53 games (30 starts) with the Tigers.

Ruke Orhorhoro's player comparison in NFL

Orhorhoro's most frequent comparison is with David Onyemata of the Atlanta Falcons, a gifted run-stuffer who has logged eight NFL seasons. Orhorhoro has similar potential if not a higher upside.

"I think when you look at Ruke Orhorhoro, the best is yet to come," ESPN analyst Mel Kiper said. "That's what defensive line coaches want, somebody that they know they can coach up, if he has the work ethic and the passion for the game, and that great skill set."

Scott Keepfer covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at skeepfer@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ScottKeepfer