While Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels are leading all first-year players this season, Ruke Orhorhoro has been trending the opposite direction for the Atlanta Falcons. As a result, Bleacher Report named him the worst rookie so far.
The Falcons’ 2024 rookie class is facing heavy criticism as they struggle to make an impact on the field. Led by the controversial eighth overall pick, quarterback Michael Penix Jr., this class has yet to contribute meaningfully, with zero snaps recorded by any rookies on offense or defense this season.
Notably, defensive tackles Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus have been healthy scratches, raising concerns about their readiness and the overall effectiveness of the draft.
This lack of production from the rookie class has sparked doubts about the Falcons’ playoff aspirations and signals potential long-term challenges for the team’s future. While standout players from previous drafts, such as Bijan Robinson and Drake London, have carried much of the load, the absence of contributions from the new rookies puts additional pressure on the organization.
Atlanta Falcons Defensive Tackle Ruke Orhorhoro Named as Worst Rookie in Bleacher Report’s NFL Analysis
Like the Falcons themselves, Orhorhoro hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations. This has led Brent Sobleski to identify him as the league’s worst rookie this season in his NFL analysis for Bleacher Report.
The same can’t be said about Orhorhoro, who’s been inactive every game, even after the Falcons traded up to grab him with this year’s 35th overall pick.
“My job is to consistently stay in a constant of growth,” Orhorhoro told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution‘s D. Orlando Ledbetter. “Make sure I’m constantly getting better every day. Every time I go out there against the ones, I practice. I try to give the best look. Try my hardest and work on my craft.”
The Falcons do have a veteran defensive front with Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata and Eddie Goldman. Also, Orhorhoro needed development. Still, no contributions whatsoever to a defense that ranks among the bottom eight in run defense is concerning.
Eventually, the Falcons need to see what they have in this year’s high second-round addition.
As the Falcons navigate a difficult season, the underperformance of this rookie class becomes increasingly alarming. Without immediate improvements, the team may need to reassess its draft strategy moving forward. General Manager Terry Fontenot faces mounting pressure to ensure that future selections are more impactful and to avoid repeating past mistakes that have hindered the team’s competitiveness.
In summary, the Falcons’ rookie class is underperforming significantly, jeopardizing the team’s postseason hopes and raising serious questions about the effectiveness of their recent draft decisions. Immediate action is necessary to turn the tide and secure a more productive outcome in future drafts.
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