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Oregon's Brandon Dorlus named one of the nation's best defensive linemen

Jarrid Denneyby: Jarrid Denney05/12/23jarrid_denney
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© James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

It came as a surprise to many that Oregon defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus opted to return to Eugene for the 2023 season.

But after a 2022 campaign that was hindered by injuries, the Ducks’ standout junior will be back for one last ride next season with hopes of bolstering his NFL Draft stock.

Earlier this week, Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus released a list of his top-10 draft-eligible players at each defensive position.

Dorlus made the cut and was tabbed as the No. 10 interior defensive lineman in all of college football.

Here’s the rundown on Dorlus from Chadwick.

“At 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, Dorlus blurs the line between edge defender and interior defensive lineman. He spent his sophomore 2021 season lined up more on the interior before playing out on the edge this past season. Regardless of his role, the junior produces at a high level. Dorlus’ 88 pressures over the past two years lead all returning Power Five edge defenders.”

Dorlus was the lone Oregon defensive player to make the cut after former standouts Christian Gonzalez, DJ Johnson, Noah Sewell, and Bennett Williams all departed the program during the offseason.

Last season, Dorlus tallied 39 tackles, a career-high 9.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

His 40 quarterback hurries were tied for the eighth-most in the nation and ranked fourth in the Pac-12.

While speaking with reporters this spring, Oregon coach Dan Lanning was asked what areas he has seen Dorlus improve upon since the end of last season.

“Playing with better pad level, using his hands consistently better understanding,” Lanning said. “I think he did a good job of assessing, ‘Okay, here’s what my film said last year, and here are the things that I can tweak to get there.’ So, some technical things that he’s been able to improve and then just his overall compete.

There’s an expectation for him, and really all those guys, that can play along the front for us to play to a certain level.”

Dorlus will be the nucleus of an Oregon defensive front that is stocked with veteran talent.

Popo Aumavae, Casey Rogers, Keyon Ware-Hudson, and Taki Taimani are all back for Oregon along the interior defensive line.

Dorlus, who is able of making an impact at defensive tackle, defensive end, and Jack linebacker, will allow Lannign and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi to seamlessly chop and change lineups next season.

During the offseason, former South Carolina standout Jordan Burch joined Oregon via the transfer portal and could play both defensive end and Jack linebacker.

The Ducks also return three-year starter Mase Funa along the edge.

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