Bryan Bresee looks ready for a breakout season in year two with the Saints
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints didn’t pick until pick No. 29. With the late first-round selection, they drafted defensive tackle Bryan Bresee out of Clemson. New Orleans knew it was getting a talented player with high upside, it was just a question of if Bresee would be able to tap into his potential.
As a rookie, he played in all 17 games, but veterans Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders started over him. Still, Bresee finished his first year with 24 tackles, seven for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and six batted passes. The numbers are pretty impressive for a rookie defensive tackle that only played 49% of defensive snaps.
Bresee recorded three of his 4.5 sacks in the final four games of the season. That made it seem like he figured things out, and set himself up with some momentum for year two. Now, year two is here, and that still seems to be the case.
Bresee flashed in the first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, and he looks ready for a breakout year.
Sack by @bryan_bresee 😤@ClemsonFB | 📺: @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/tr4hFO7opQ
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 11, 2024
Bryan Bresee looked impressive in Saints first preseason game
Early in the game, Chase Young, who looked great as well, forced the Cardinals quarterback to step up in the pocket, and as the QB tried to escape, Bresee was right there waiting for him for a drive-ending sack.
Later in the game, Bresee executed a beautiful spin move on the left guard and got right into the backfield. Unfortunately, he whiffed on the quarterback, but it was still a play that showcased his abilities. He just has to finish the show next time he has a move that good.
OK one more … I know he didn’t get the sack here, but I will never get tired of watching the Bryan Bresee spin move. It’s magical. #Saints pic.twitter.com/4KqkSIVxVD
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) August 12, 2024
This is exactly the kind of development you want to see from a player in year two, and it’s also what the Saints need. Defensive line play was a weakness for New Orleans last season, and the team knows that needs to change to be a contender. That’s why a guy like Chase Young was brought in this offseason.
If Bryan Bresee can make a big second-year jump, the defensive line could be a dominant group on what’s shaping up to be an elite defense.
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