FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Another change is coming for Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison.
Position coach Nate Ollie explained last Wednesday that Harrison and Brandon Dorlus will be Atlanta's "big ends" in 2025, a role that will blend Harrison's first two seasons with the Falcons. The former third-round draft pick started on the outside as a long base end in defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's scheme in 2023. Last year, under defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, Harrison added weight and moved inside. Now, he's back in his original role but at his upgraded size.
"We really feel like we can unlock Zach and do a lot of stuff," Ollie said. "Get him going off the football and not thinking and being a mismatch versus tight ends. Also, too, we believe that Zach has a little bit in his body to win off the edge. So, Zach is kind of a utility weapon."
In his third season, Harrison will work with his third defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich. His first two had their own approach with a base scheme, as Nielsen favored a 4-3 look and Lake leaned toward more of a 3-4 design.
Ulbrich, meanwhile, made it clear when he was hired in January, there is no one-track plan.
"If we look back 15, 20 years ago, there were 3-4 teams and there were 4-3 teams, and you were one or the other," Ulbrich said. "It's not that way anymore. Offenses have jumped off the playbook. … It's really forced us from a defensive standpoint to get more multiplicity in all that we do, front-wise, coverage-wise, all of that. So, we're going to be multiple, and we're going to do some unique things that are going to be 3-4-ish and 4-3-ish at times."
Through a mix of his 2023 and 2024 self, Harrison could embody that multiple approach for Atlanta. When Harrison was switched to the interior last year, he was tasked with bulking up and went from 268 pounds as a collegiate prospect to 286 pounds as a second-year professional. There was a visible difference when Harrison showed up to the last offseason program.
Join the Atlanta Falcons on the practice fields as they tackle an offseason workout at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga.
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Leonard Floyd #56 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Ford Jr. #28 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus #54 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Divine Deablo #0 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons director of player performance John Griffin during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Lamar Jackson #38 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Divine Deablo #0 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95, defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98, associate director of strength and conditioning Paul Constantine, defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus #54, defensive lineman Kentavius Street #93, defensive lineman Junior Aho #79, defensive lineman Morgan Fox #99, defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96, edge rusher Leonard Floyd #56, and defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin King #32 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker JD Bertrand #40 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #4 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Keith Taylor #39 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Khalid Kareem #92, Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone #51, and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Ford Jr. #28 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Blair #19 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #4 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Blair #19 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Makai Polk #83 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jamal Agnew #14 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn #52 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Benny Sapp iii #45 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II #16 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jesse Matthews #86 during a workout during the offseason program at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
It took time for Harrison to get comfortable in his new role on the defense, but his presence was increasingly felt as the season progressed.
"You got to talk about some of the young guys that were playing for us right from the beginning of the season, like Zach Harrison, and how his role has increased, and to be able to see some of the things he's done, rushing the passer," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said in Week 8. "… Having the ability to go out there and really put some pressure on the quarterback last week (against the Seattle Seahawks) with the unfortunate penalty. But he's done some really good things for us."
Harrison finished last year with 26 tackles and one sack while playing 268 defensive snaps. Those numbers were down from Harrison's previous stat line of 33 tackles and three sacks in 342 defensive snaps as a rookie.
So, maybe his return to the exterior paired with his larger stature will be good for Harrison, especially in Ollie's attack-style front.
"We have to think Zach is going to look different this year, think Dorlus is going to look different this year, think Ruke (Orhorhoro) is going to look different this year," Ollie said. "I think a lot of these guys are going to look different this year.
"And we talked about it: The time is now. No opportunity wasted."
