Clemson defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro is a disruptive defensive prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Orhorhoro pairs outstanding functional strength with initial quickness to explode into opposing backfields. Orhorhoro elevated his game to another level at Clemson this past season by recording a career-high 5.0 sacks.
Orhorhoro displayed elite athleticism at the NFL Combine for a prospect of his size and stature. The Tigers standout ran a 4.89 40 despite weighing nearly 300 pounds. Rare agility was put forth through Orhorhoro's 9-foot-8 broad jump and 32-inch vertical, results that placed second and fourth respectively among all participating defensive tackles. Orhorhoro also posted a second-best 29 bench press reps.
Strength and athleticism give Orhorhoro a high ceiling at the next level. We've identified three ideal fits for Orhorhoro in the 2024 NFL Draft.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Myles Garrett's 14 sacks a year ago spearheaded a Browns defensive line that totaled a sixth-best 51 sacks. Not a lot of that production came from the interior (or anyone other than Garrett, really). Primary defensive tackle starters Dalvin Tomlinson and Jordan Elliott combined for 5.5 sacks.
Tomlinson is a run-stopping defender first and foremost. Elliott signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. Shelby Harris and Quinton Jefferson are best utilized as rotational defensive linemen. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz would appreciate a 3-tech with double-digit sack potential. Having Garrett draw attention frees up interior players for one-on-one matchups. The Browns should target Orhorhoro with one of their two top-100 selections.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Dolphins' defensive line was dealt a serious blow when Christian Wilkins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier couldn't match the sizable four-year contract offer worth $110 million Wilkins received from the Raiders. Wilkins wasn't the only defensive tackle to leave Miami this offseason. Another solid contributor exited when Raekwon Davis joined the Indianapolis Colts.
Grier responded to losing Wilkins by signing a slew of free-agent defensive tackles. The list includes Teair Tart, Benito Jones, Jonathan Harris, Neville Gallimore, Daviyon Nixon, and Isaiah Mack. Da'Shawn Hand was also re-signed to replace Wilkins and Davis. None of those defenders appear capable of matching Wilkins' 9-sack season from 2023.
A 3-tech with true explosiveness and quickness is needed to have a similar impact. Orhorhoro would be that type of defender in Miami.
CHICAGO BEARS
The Bears require more pass-rushing production from the interior of their defensive line in 2024. As a team, they posted a 31st-ranked 30 sacks last season. Defensive tackle Justin Jones led all interior defenders in sacks with 4.5 quarterback takedowns.
Jones wasn't a legitimate game changer, and things have gone from bad to worse with Jones joining the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens haven't yet developed into every-down defenders. General manager Ryan Poles should continue adding ascending prospects to the position room until one develops into a perennial talent. It will continue being a sore spot for defensive-minded head coach Matt Eberflus until a solution is found.
