When the Falcons turned in the card for Bear Alexander at pick 1.22 in the PML 2027 Rookie Draft, the selection wasn’t about instant flash—it was about building sustainable strength in the middle of the defensive line. Drafting a defensive tackle late in the first round often signals belief in traits, upside, and long-term fit, and Alexander checks every one of those boxes.
At 6’3”, 316 pounds, the former Oregon standout enters the league with the kind of frame teams look for when constructing an interior rotation that can withstand a full season. His 64 overall rating may place him lower on the immediate depth chart, but the raw tools are evident—and the situation he’s walking into is ideal for growth.
Power at the Point of Attack
Alexander’s game is built around strength and explosiveness. His 89 strength, 80 acceleration, and 70 speed give him the physical ability to dent pockets and disrupt run lanes when he wins early. As a power rusher / nose tackle hybrid, he has the versatility to line up head-up over the center or shaded on the guard, allowing coaches to deploy him situationally while his technique develops.
His current limitations—awareness, play recognition, and block shedding consistency—are typical for young interior linemen transitioning to the pro game. The flashes are there; the refinement is what comes next.
Learning from a Veteran DT Room
What makes Alexander’s outlook especially promising is the defensive tackle group around him. He won’t be asked to carry the interior on Day 1. Instead, he’ll be able to learn behind and alongside proven contributors:
- Ruke Orhorhoro (80 OVR)
The anchor of the room, Orhorhoro sets the standard as a run-stopping force. His discipline, leverage, and ability to control gaps will be invaluable for Alexander, particularly in learning how to translate raw strength into consistent block-shedding production. - Brandon Dorlus (73 OVR)
Dorlus provides a strong example of balance—effective against both the run and pass. Working next to him will help Alexander understand hand usage, pad level, and how to stay active when the play moves away from his initial gap. - Tim Keenan III (70 OVR)
Keenan’s power-rushing profile mirrors parts of Alexander’s own game. That shared archetype creates a natural mentorship opportunity, especially in developing counter moves and understanding how to convert power into pressure. - Cameron Ball (63 OVR)
Ball and Alexander form a young tandem with similar timelines. The internal competition between the two should accelerate growth, pushing Alexander to refine his technique and consistency to separate himself in the rotation.
A Defined, Patient Role
Rather than being thrown into high-leverage snaps immediately, Alexander can be deployed in early-down and short-yardage packages, where his size and strength are most impactful. Those controlled reps allow him to play fast without overthinking, while film study and practice reps focus on improving recognition and leverage.
This measured approach reduces the mental load that often stalls young defensive tackles and allows Alexander to build confidence through physical success.
Long-Term Outlook
The selection of Bear Alexander at 1.22 reflects a front office willing to invest in the trenches with patience and purpose. Surrounded by experienced interior defenders and placed in a role that emphasizes growth over pressure, Alexander has a clear runway to becoming a reliable rotational piece—and eventually more.
If his awareness and block-shedding catch up to his physical traits, this pick could quietly turn into one of the more important foundational moves of the PML 2027 Draft. In a league where interior disruption changes games, Bear Alexander has the tools—and now the environment—to make that leap.
