Bryan Bresee getting 'share' of first-team reps with New Orleans Saints

Former Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee is starting to carve out his role with the Saints as they head toward training camp. According to ESPN insider reports, Bresee will get first-team reps when camp begins at the end of July.

The Saints drafted the 300-pound tackle with the No. 29 overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

“Bresee has gotten snaps with the first-team defensive tackles at times, and he’ll likely continue to be swapped into the rotation throughout the summer,” Saints insider Katherine Tarrell shared. “While it’s no sure thing he’ll be a Day 1 starter yet, he’ll certainly get his share of first-team reps in training camp and into the season if he stays healthy.

“He’s already settling into New Orleans and has been taking advice from veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan.”

Unsurprisingly, Bresee has lived up to and even exceeded expectations, according to head coach Dennis Allen.

“He’s probably a little more sudden, a little more quick than maybe I anticipated,” Allen said at the conclusion of minicamp. “The things I’ve been most pleased with is really his intelligence level and his work ethic. He’s worked extremely hard throughout this offseason, and I’m looking for him to be a key contributor for us.”

Bresee impressing with Saints

Bresee’s quickness was on full display before the draft. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he posted a 4.93-second 40-yard dash, which ranked in the top five among defensive tackles.

Clemson head coach Dabo Sweeney was thrilled for his former star after the draft.

“Bryan is a guy that could be a Pro Bowler for years to come,” Swinney said. “He has that in him. And I’m just excited for the Saints because his best football is in front of him. He’s really gotten himself healthy, but this kid has been through so much.”

Bresee arrived at Clemson and had an immediate impact as a true freshman despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19 in 2020. He started 10 games and racking up 33 tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble and a safety.

He earned first-team All-ACC honors and the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Despite being limited to just four games in 2021 due to injury, Bresee earned a third-team All-ACC selection. He tallied 15 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception on just 154 snaps.

This past season, Bresee finished with 15 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in ten games. He also had two passes defended before declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.