Could a 2024 NFL draft prospect like Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro give the interior defensive line a huge boost for the Cleveland Browns?
With the Super Bowl now in the rearview, every team around the NFL has turned their focus solely on free agency and the 2024 NFL draft as both are just weeks away. The Cleveland Browns have an interesting decision to make about the defensive tackle room as only one of their best contributors at the position is under contract for the 2024 season.
It would be a shock if the Browns didn’t at least back two of those pending free agents but it might not be on a long-term contract. It makes sense for the Browns to look towards the draft to add another potential long-term solution in the middle of their defensive front.
Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro is a player that I liked a ton last year before he returned to college for his fifth season with the Tigers. He is a very intriguing option who likely will be on the board in the third or even fourth round.
Elite strength and solid size density
Ruke Orhorhoro has a unique blend of size and athleticism and he plays elite strength and has a great overall frame for playing the position. He is a great run defender who has violent hands that prevent opposing offensive linemen from getting their hands into his frame and moving him around.
Orhorhoro anchors the middle of the line playing with great leverage and the ability to get right into the chests of opponents and drive them into the backfield. His ability to clog rushing lanes and power his way into the backfield will translate quickly at the next level.
Ruke Orhorhoro feels the forgotten man on this Clemson 2022 DL but he is damn good! Can literally play up and down the DL at 6'4 295lbs
Getting better and better each season… pic.twitter.com/3ZMIuKXY51
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) July 30, 2022
Great lateral agility and athleticism
The fifth-year senior has a quick first step off the line of scrimmage and moves great laterally to stop the run. Orhorhoro should consistently improve each of his three years as a starter in both areas of run defense and pass rush.
He also brings versatility to the position with the ability to play inside and even as a 5-tech edge rusher setting the edge in run defense and an impressive power rush going after the quarterback. Being able to move along the defensive line and doing it well is a trait that will be coveted by NFL teams.
This agility and athleticism from 6’4” 300lb Ruke Orhorhoro is downright scary pic.twitter.com/GjmCTVuLnc
— Tiger Commenter (@TigerCommenter) November 2, 2021
Posses a great motor and physical toughness
You would be hard-pressed to find many reps where Orhorohoro takes a play-off or doesn’t play hard through the whistle. He could use work developing more pass-rush moves to utilize his rare blend of power, leverage, and athleticism.
There is work to be done in his development with the technical part of the game but having great physical traits at your disposal Orhororo can be a contributor from day one with the ability to be a solid player at the next level.
