Saints rookie taking full advantage of new opportunity

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated 12/11/23

The New Orleans Saints have had an inconsistent year from much of their 2023 NFL Draft class. That's not shocking. The transition to the league isn't easy.

First-round pick Bryan Bresee has made a legit impact in his first year with New Orleans, though. He's been the best pass rusher on the inside of the Saints defensive line. On Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, Bresee totaled seven QB pressures. That's a career-high for him.

Bryan Bresee: 7 QB pressures vs. the Panthers

⚜️ 1st among rookies in week 14
⚜️ career-high pic.twitter.com/UKWexQ1yM0
— PFF NO Saints (@PFF_Saints) December 11, 2023

His pass rush ability has always been the most impressive aspect of his game. Bresee's role has been maximized in the second half of the season. His snap count has consistently increased.

Now, he's usually getting over half of the snaps for the Saints alongside Khalen Saunders. In Week 14, the rookie was actually the leader in snaps for IDL players on the Saints.

Bresee - 44
Saunders - 40
Shepherd - 35

After Malcolm Roach landed on injured reserve last week, Bresee's role was expected to increase. That's been the case, and he proved that he deserves it in the team's win against Carolina.

Saints rookie Bryan Bresee with a nasty spin move to beat the LG and cause the sack.

The first-round pick out of Clemson has been flashing major athleticism and fluidity as an interior pass rusher tonight. pic.twitter.com/P9pZ9E5pjb
— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) August 28, 2023

Bresee also got two QB hits on Sunday. His total for tackles for loss this season rose to 5, too. He's consistently getting into the backfield, and his run defense has made improvement over the course of the season.

The rookie is a major piece for the Saints defense going forward. He's arguably the top rookie interior DL, too.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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