The New Orleans Saints addressed the biggest possible need on their team with their first round selection of Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee.
Bresee was once considered a top defensive prospect in this class but after a bunch of difficult health and family issues, he started to fall in the projections. Those challenges led to a slight step back in production last season.
He’s a versatile, athletic defender with the pass-rush upside that the team desperately needed help with. He needs some more experience and to develop in his skill set, but fits well with the new-look defensive front already and will immediately contribute in the rotation with Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd. He’s got all of the intangibles you need, and the Saints coaches have a lot to work with in him.
Both Mazi Smith and Myles Murphy were players that were also linked to the team and were taken ahead of them, but the Saints were able to take Bresee and not trade up, which is a big win.
Grade: A
