New Orleans filled its biggest need by selecting defensive tackle Bryan Bresee -- a player who's shown unbelievable resiliency in his journey to becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero highlighted his remarkable story after the Saints drafted him 29th overall.
Clemson DT Bryan Bresee went through a lot over the past two years, but he looked like a star in 2020. The #Saints bet on the upside and take him at No. 29. pic.twitter.com/Cni2pbkPZM
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 28, 2023
His college career began with being named first-team All-ACC in 2020. He missed the majority of the 2021 season due to a torn ACL, then had shoulder surgery in January 2022. Last season, a kidney infection forced him to miss three games and his sister, Ella, died after a battle with cancer.
He and his family wore shirts honoring her on draft night.
Bryan Bresee and his family wore "Ella Strong" shirts on draft night
— ESPN (@espn) April 28, 2023
Bresee's younger sister, Ella, died of brain cancer in September 2022. pic.twitter.com/4l7sFcpzw7
Bresee's new head coach, Dennis Allen, applauded the Saints' first-round pick for all he's endured.
Dennis Allen praised Bresee’s ability to overcome adversity. Said they are comfortable with where he is medically as well.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) April 28, 2023
Allen described Bresee as "an exceptional talent." "He's big. He's physical. He's athletic," he continued.
Saints Coach Dennis Allen on his 1st Round Draft Pick, Clemson Defensive Tackle Bryan Bresee. pic.twitter.com/CPzuhdhXpJ
— Doug Mouton (@DMoutonWWL) April 28, 2023
His tape says something similar. Last year, he looked spry early in the season. In the play below, he demonstrates fantastic speed off the line, disengaging from his blocker and getting into the backfield for the sack.
Yeah, #Clemson DT Bryan Bresee #11 looks healthy.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 6, 2022
Stack, shed, finish. Hard dude to slow down. pic.twitter.com/myxrebj9HK
Per The Athetlic's Dane Brugler, he is the second-ranked interior defensive lineman in this class, behind Jalen Carter.
He ran a 4.86-second 40-yard dash at the combine, among the fastest numbers posted at this year's event. He's also among the tallest of his 2023 draft peers at 6-foot, 5-inches.
In Brugler's evaluation, Bresee is "an explosive force player," but "his tag on draft boards will have a medical designation and his injury background might determine where he is drafted."
The Saints took a bit of a risk with their first-round pick but there's no questioning Bresee has the toughness and athleticism to live up to his billing. Among this year's first-round picks, it's harder to find any easier to root for.
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