The Dirty Birds just landed up on their latest possession in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. What everybody knows, is that the Atlanta Falcons picked defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro as their No.35 overall selection. This selection materialized in exchange for a trade with the Arizona Cardinals.

The defensive tackle was among the bunch of players from Clemson football to have hit the prospects list. As Orhorhoro coming off the board a bit early is something that was not expected, NFL analyst, Allen Trieu spilled two shocking facts about the player. 

Unknown secrets of Orhorhoro come to the forefront

Orhorhoro went off as the third pick on the second night as the Falcons decided to trade up to select him. Being a senior and native of Nigeria, he had been a combine standout and third-team All-ACC selection as a senior. Last season, Orhorhoro reached a career-high 5.0 sacks. The rest of his 2023 statistics include 12 appearances, 12 starts and 22 tackles. These are all known facts that most of the fans are aware of. But lately, Trieu took the initiative to let the NFL world know some not-so-popular trivia about Orhorhoro that coincides with that of Darius Robinson. He tweeted, “First two guys off the board from Michigan, Ruke Orhorhoro and Darius Robinson: 1) Didn’t play football til junior year  2) Both first offered by Toledo”.

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In an interview on April 24, Orohorhoro revealed how he came under the radar of Toledo CB coach Corey Parker, “[Parker] was the one who told me to start playing football. He saw something in me. He took a chance on me. He never left me alone because he cared.” Even though he seems to have wooed his college football coach but his stepping into the NFL demands in-depth scrutiny. 

In-depth analysis of Orhorhoro

Orhorhoro with his overall athleticism at the NFL Combine sets the bar high. Having finished second in the broad jump among defensive tackles has been convincing enough for the Falcons to choose him. With this he owns a non-stop motor and his run-stuffing ability imprints his name in the Atlanta squad. According to draft analyst Jordan Reid, Orhorhoro is “the best run-defending defensive lineman in this class”. 

However, not everything is gold as far as the defensive tackle is concerned. His pass-rushing acumen lacks some serious work. Even though Orhorhoro is known for being explosive and powerful, his moves need special attention to be able to move beyond straightforward ball rush. Having third-team All-ACC honors as a senior under his hat, expectations are high from him that often lands him in frequent comparison with Falcons’ gifted run-stuffer, David Onyemata. 

Orhorhoro has all the skills and talents that ticks the check boxes for a defensive line coach. Keeping himself open to learning, what fuels him is his work ethic and passion for the game that is backed up by a great skill set enough to expose Peach State to the best of times.