The impact of a collegiate defensive lineman is far from the numbers you see on a PDF. The number of sacks and tackles for loss a player compiles doesn’t automatically justify one defensive lineman being better than another.

Oregon junior defensive end Brandon Dorlus is a player whose statistics won’t scream first round NFL draft pick, but his film just might. After arriving in Eugene back in 2019 as a fairly unheralded recruit from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Dorlus has waited his turn to eventually become the leader of the Oregon defensive line. He learned from future NFL players Jordon Scott, Austin Faoliu, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, and is now viewed as an NFL prospect himself.

In his true freshman season, Dorlus was used sparingly, seeing just 81 snaps across nine games. But he took advantage of his opportunity in the shortened 2020 season, appearing in all seven of Oregon’s games. Thibodeaux may have earned Pac-12 Championship Game MVP when the Ducks defeated USC in a game they weren’t even supposed to play in, but Dorlus had a large role in the onslaught of pressure on Kedon Slovis.

What makes Dorlus so unique is his versatility. He can line up anywhere along the defensive line and can adapt beautifully wherever he lines up. Take a look at this rep in the 2020 Rose Bowl Game, where he (#97) lines up over the center and bullies Rimington Trophy winner Tyler Biadasz to the turf.

Dorlus’ power and size give him the ability to line up as a defensive tackle, and his agility and quick hands free him up to escape his blocker and chase the quarterback.

But given Oregon’s current depth chart, Dorlus may be needed to fill in as a defensive end. Thibodeaux departs to the Big Apple, and as talented as Dorlus and the other edge rushers may be, those shoes will be quite difficult to fill.

The Ducks now have an influx of bodies in the middle of their defensive line, headlined by returning starters Popo Aumavae and Keyon Ware-Hudson, transfer portal additions Sam “Taki” Taimani and Jordon Riley, and incoming freshman Sir Mells and Ben Roberts. They also have budding prospects in Sua’ava Poti and Jake Shipley that should see increased playing time this fall.

Defensive end is much more of a need for Dan Lanning and Tosh Lupoi’s new defense, and Dorlus can definitely adapt. He was listed at 284 pounds last summer, and after covering multiple practices and the spring game this spring, I can attest that he looks to have slimmed down a little bit and put on more muscle.

Here’s a rep from Oregon’s game against Washington State last year where Dorlus comes off the edge and creates pressure on Jayden de Laura by bouldering through 2022 third-round pick Abraham Lucas.

With players like Thibodeaux and Aumavae drawing double teams last year, and 330-pound Taimani drew similar attention at Washington, defensive coordinators may not fear Dorlus as much as they should.

Dorlus has a 15.1% career pass rush win rate, according to PFF, second only to Thibodeaux. He ranks first among all Pac-12 defensive tackles since 2020 with 64 pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and 49 hurries. And he’s only getting better. His versatility will serve him well in a new defensive scheme that will likely use simulated pressure to free up athletic freaks like Noah Sewell and Justin Flowe to wreak havoc into the backfield.

If you’re looking to invest in a defensive lineman this fall, consider Brandon Dorlus. He has been a consistent force for the Oregon Ducks in the past two seasons and is bound to make a name for himself this year, if he hasn’t already. Playing under two former national championship-winning defensive coordinators, Dorlus should be set up for success this fall and beyond.