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. Orakpo made his first career sack on quarterback Matthew Stafford for an eight-yard loss in the third quarter. In the next game, he collected a season-high seven combined tackles and a sack in a 16–13 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During Week 14, Orakpo made six combined tackles and a season-high four sacks as the Redskins defeated the Oakland Raiders by a score 34–13. Orakpo had a sack on Bruce Gradkowski and three sacks on Jamarcus Russell and tied the Redskins' single-game sack record. He earned the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award for his performance. On December 30, 2009, it was announced that Orakpo was selected to play in the 2010 Pro Bowl and was the only rookie to be initially voted to the NFC roster. Orakpo became the first Redskins' rookie to make the Pro Bowl since RB/KR Tony Green in 1978.