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The New Orleans Saints picked up a first round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft when they traded the rights to former coach Sean Payton to the Denver Broncos. With that pick, the 29th overall choice, the Saints selected DT Bryan Bresee out of Clemson.
Bresee was the fourth defensive tackle off the board. In three years and 25 games at Clemson, Bresee had nine sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and an interception. He missed all but four games in 2021 with an ACL injury. In 2022, he dealt with a shoulder injury in addition to the tragic loss of his sister to cancer.
New Orleans needed to upgrade the defensive tackle position after it had become a liability over the previous two seasons. In 2022, a once-vaunted run defense had plummeted to 24th in the NFL. Additionally, the Saints had gotten just 14.5 sacks from interior pass rushers over the previous two campaigns.
The Saints added tackles Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders early in free agency. They then added Bresee, who had been an interior force for one of the most respected collegiate defenses in the country.
Through four games, the new-look defensive tackle spot is performing above expectations. Despite letdowns in the last two contests, the Saints rank 11th in total defense. As a unit, they are allowing 201 yards per game through the air and 104 on the ground. The defensive tackles, including holdover Malcolm Roach, have contributed 2.5 sacks, eight QB hits, and six tackles for loss.
Bresee, who turns 22 on October 6, has made arguably the biggest impact among the new faces. He's played just under 50% of the team's defensive snaps, 124 total plays, but is already showing the traits of a consistent playmaker.
Bresee has 1.5 sacks, four QB hits, six pressures, three tackles for loss, and one pass batted down. He's had another two sacks, including a forced fumble, nullified by penalty. He currently ranks second on the team in sacks, QB hits, and stops for loss.
Over the last two games, the New Orleans pass rush has been relatively ineffective. Bresee has been the exception, recording a sack an four pressures over that span. With each game, he's been more disruptive as a run defender and a pass rusher.
At 6'5" and 305-Lbs., Bresee has impressive power. He not only holds his own against double teams, but has shown the strength to still push into opposing backfields or close off running lanes.
A fantastic athlete, Bresee has tremendous explosion at the snap. He possesses a lethal swim move to get by blockers in an instant and is quickly developing an array of counter moves. His motor, ability to disengage, and closing speed on the ball has also allowed him to make plays along the line of scrimmage in pursuit.
Bresee has arguably outplayed the other interior defenders that went before him in this year's draft. Jalen Carter (Eagles-9th overall) has 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, nine pressures, and two tackles for loss. Calijah Kancey (Buccaneers-19th) has one pressure with no sacks or stops for loss. Mazi Smith (Cowboys-26th) has one tackle for loss with no sacks or pressures. Carter and Bresee lead all rookie defensive players in sacks and pressures so far.
Over the last eight years, the Saints have spent six day one or day two draft picks on defensive linemen. This includes DE Isaiah Foskey in the second round this year and three other first-round picks on DE Payton Turner, DE Marcus Davenport, and DT Sheldon Rankins.
Results of those previous picks were mixed. However, early indications are that the Saints have a rising star on their hands in Bryan Bresee.
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