Falcons Scout, Coach Speak Glowingly About Tiger Draft Pick
By: Staff Report June 21, 2024

There’s no doubt about it – the Atlanta Falcons love who they got in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

That is former Clemson defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, who was taken by Atlanta with the No. 35 overall pick in April’s draft.

The Falcons are very high on Orhorhoro, a 2023 All-ACC selection who played in 53 career games for the Tigers from 2019-23 and made 30 starts.

The Falcons are certainly glad to have Orhorhoro on their defensive line, as evidenced by the glowing comments from Falcons southeast area scout Shepley Heard and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers in an article published on the Falcons’ official website about why the team selected the big and versatile 6-foot-4, 294-pounder.

“You feel like he’s almost a piece of clay that you can continue to mold,” Heard said, via Falcons senior reporter Tori McElhaney. “And we feel like he’s going to continue to get better and better. Of course, that’s what we hope.”

“He does some things that a lot of other people can’t do,” Rodgers added, “because of the things that he can bring to the table.”

Along with Orhorhoro’s size, physical gifts and ability to play all over on the line, the Falcons love his character makeup and the work ethic, leadership and energy he brings.

“He’s everything we preach from a scouting standpoint of the type of guy we want to bring in here,” Heard said.

During his five seasons at Clemson, Orhorhoro was credited with 97 tackles (25.5 for loss), 12.0 sacks, nine pass breakups and two fumble recoveries in 1,526 career snaps. He posted 8.0 tackles for loss and a career-high 5.0 sacks in 2023 en route to third-team All-ACC honors.

You can check out the full article about Orhorhoro on AtlantaFalcons.com below:

–Photo courtesy of Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

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