How Oregon defensive end Brandon Dorlus performed at the 2024 NFL Combine
Throughout his Oregon career, Brandon Dorlus‘ ability to excel at both defensive end and defensive tackle is part of what made him such a valuable player.
During the first day of the NFL Combine, he posted a 40-yard dash time that was the second-fastest among defensive tackles who tested, but the second-slowest among defensive ends.
Dorlus finished the day with a 4.85-second 40. Only Florida State’s Braden Fiske (4.78) ran faster among DTs.
After playing at 6-foot-3, 290 pounds during his senior season with the Ducks, Dorlus checked in at 6-foot-3, 283 pounds in Indianapolis on Thursday with 33 1/4″ arms and 9 3/8″ hands.
He posted a 1.68-second 10-yard split, a 30.5-inch vertical, a 9′ 3″ broad jump, a 7.43-second 3-cone drill, and a 4.85-second 20-yard shuttle.
Defensive linemen will not participate in the bench press until Friday.
A three-time all-conference selection, Dorlus produced the best season of his career this fall. In 14 games, he led the Ducks with 5.0 sacks and generated 46 quarterback pressures — the most in the nation for an interior defensive lineman, according to Pro Football Focus.
In five seasons at Oregon, Dorlus has racked up 108 tackles, 27.0 tackles for loss, and 12.0 sacks.
In an era when many draft-eligible veterans choose to opt out of their respective bowl games, Dorlus decided to take part in the 2024 Fiesta Bowl and helped Oregon to a blowout win over Liberty.
“I mean, I put an investment here for probably five years, and I mean, there was no other option, to be honest,” Dorlus said when asked why he chose to play in the bowl game. “I love this game. I love playing with my teammates. I love the coaches that are around me; the organization. I feel like, why not one more trip down here? One more business trip, and finish off on a good note and beat my mom’s school.”
Brandon Dorlus NFL Combine scouting report
“Physical, heavy-handed defender whose pedestrian production could see an increase at the pro level. Dorlus is a fairly natural edge defender who can play standing or with a hand down. He doesn’t play with desired instincts or awareness in the run game but has the upper-body power to become a more forceful edge-setter or interior penetrator in the future. He shows an impressive ability to slide and slap his way around blockers for quick wins, even though the sack total fails to show it. Dorlus is a natural fit as a power end in a 4-3 or 3-4, but teams might want him to add weight and take on a role as a full-time 3-technique.” – Lance Zierlein.
