Top three draft fits for former No. 1 high school recruit Bryan Bresee

Despite external factors limiting his production at Clemson, defensive tackle Bryan Bresee should hear his name called in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Bresee, the No. 1 high school recruit in the class of 2020, lived up to expectations as a freshman, being named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. However, injuries and a family tragedy affected his performance over the remainder of his college career. 

Nevertheless, the 6-foot-5, 298-pounder earned second-team All-ACC honors last season after recording 15 tackles, 5.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks in 10 games. 

According to Pro Football Focus' big board, Bresee ranks as the 21st-best prospect in the draft and is projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick by multiple outlets. Here are three teams he'd fit in well with:

Jacksonville Jaguars

For GM Trent Baalke, selecting Clemson prospects has paid off in recent drafts; why should he take a different approach this year?

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Bresee told reporters that he "wouldn't mind" having Trevor Lawrence as his quarterback again, and it appears the team concurs. On Monday, Dane Brugler of The Athletic reported that Jacksonville has "shown plenty of interest in Bresee" as a target with its 24th overall pick. 

Although Roy Roberston-Harris' re-signing doesn't make the need for another defensive lineman urgent, the unit's depth is lacking following the loss of Arden Key and Dawuane Smoot via free agency.

Jacksonville gambled on OLB Travon Walker's raw talent with the first pick in last year's draft, and he wasn't all that productive during his rookie season, registering 3.5 sacks. After ranking 26th in sacks collectively last season (35), Walker and the rest of the defense would likely improve upon that mark if Bresee joins the mix. 

New Orleans Saints 

New Orleans desperately needs interior defensive linemen after starters Shy Tuttle and David Onyemata signed with NFC South rivals Carolina and Atlanta, respectively. The two were instrumental in disrupting offensive lines, which paved the way for the Saints' defense to record 48 sacks last season, the fifth-most in the NFL.

DT Khalen Saunders and DE Nathan Shepherd were brought in to compensate for Tuttle and Onyemata's departures, although neither signing should impact the team's draft strategy. Neither Saunders nor Shepherd played 40% of their teams' snaps last season.

The Saints hold the 29th pick in next week's draft, which they acquired from the Broncos after trading away HC Sean Payton earlier this offseason. In ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay's collaborative three-round mock draft, Kiper chose Bresee as New Orleans' selection. 

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia boasted one of the most formidable defenses in league history last season, with 78 sacks across the regular season and playoffs, the third-most by a team all-time. Unfortunately, it lost several key contributors this offseason and must find competent replacements, particularly for Pro Bowl DT Javon Hargrave and his 11 sacks from 2022. 

The Eagles would be thrilled if Georgia DT Jalen Carter was available at pick 10, but he probably won't fall that far, despite his red flags. While Bresee is no Carter and won't be a top-10 pick, he could be a steal in the first round if Philadelphia makes him the 30th overall selection.

In school, Bresee was occasionally overmatched and often double-teamed, so pairing him alongside the big-bodied Jordan Davis (6-foot-6, 335 pounds) might be what he needs to maximize his potential.