FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Nate Ollie enters 2025 in a similar situation with Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus as he did in 2022 with then-Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo.
Ollie is the Falcons' new defensive line coach, while Dorlus is embarking on his second season in Atlanta. The Falcons selected Dorlus with the 109th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft from Oregon. Dorlus appeared in just two games as a rookie last season, taking 19 defensive snaps and making three tackles in the process.
The 2022 season was Ollie's first with the Colts, where he was also the defensive line coach. Much like Dorlus, Odeyingbo, at the time, was going into his second season in Indianapolis when Ollie joined the staff. Odeyingbo was the Colts' 54th pick overall in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, hailing from Vanderbilt. As a rookie, he played in 10 games and took 173 defensive snaps once recovered from a torn Achilles sustained in January. He registered half a sack, a quarterback hit and six tackles.
"I got to see Dayo for two years grow," Ollie said.
Same as the Falcons are now, the Colts implemented [an attack-style front](https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/nate-ollie-attack-stye-front-pass-rush-2025) upon Ollie's arrival. Odeyingbo benefited.
In 2022, Odeyingbo jumped to five sacks, 11 quarterback hits and 31 tackles. In 2023, those numbers went up to eight, 17 and 38, respectively. Odeyingbo also had two pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries that second season with Ollie as his coach.
Under his guidance, Ollie envisions that type of growth for Dorlus.
"Just watching him, seeing him grow in that type of role, it'll be fun," Ollie said. "He actually asked for some Dayo Odeyingbo tape."