 Head coach Jim Zorn named Orakpo the starting strongside linebacker to begin the regular season, along with Rocky McIntosh and middle linebacker London Fletcher.Orakpo made his NFL debut and first start in the season-opener against the New York Giants and recorded two solo tackles in a 23–17 road loss.During Week 3, he recorded four combined tackles and made his first NFL sack during a 19–14 loss at the Detroit Lions.