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Bryan Bresee
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Bryan Bresee (/brəˈziː/ brə-ZEE; born October 6, 2001) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Clemson Tigers and was selected by the Saints in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Bresee played football at Urbana High School in Frederick, Maryland before transferring to Damascus High School in Damascus, Maryland. In both 2017 and 2019, he helped lead Damascus to state championship victories. Alongside his football prowess in highschool, Bresee also lettered in basketball, where he averaged 13.7 points and 11.9 rebounds a game.[1] Bresee was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and was ranked as the nation's top overall recruit by 247Sports.[2] He committed to Clemson, turning down offers from Penn State, Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State.[3] He was named to the All-American Bowl following his senior season.[4]
College career
[edit]
Bresee started every game for Clemson as a freshman in 2020, recording 33 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. In the CFP Semi Finals, Bresee performed 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack in the Tigers loss to Ohio State. At the conclusion of his freshman season, he was named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Defensive Rookie of the Year, and an All-ACC first team member.[5] In 2021, Bresee suffered an ACL tear, which cut his season short to only four games, but nevertheless earned All-ACC honors.[6] In 2022, Bresee missed several games due to injury and family matters but once again earned All-ACC honors.[6]
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Bench press | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 5+1⁄2 in (1.97 m) |
298 lb (135 kg) |
32+1⁄2 in (0.83 m) |
10+1⁄4 in (0.26 m) |
4.86 s | 1.71 s | 2.82 s | 4.38 s | 7.41 s | 29.0 in (0.74 m) |
22 reps | ||
| Sources:[7][8] | ||||||||||||
Bresee was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 29th pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft.[9] He recorded his first career half sack in the season opener, a 16–15 win over the Tennessee Titans.[10] His first full sack came three weeks later in a 9–26 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[11] As a rookie, he appeared in all 17 games in the 2023 season. He finished with 4.5 sacks, 24 total tackles (12 solo), and six passes defended.[12]
Bresee spent the 2024 season operating mainly as a starter. In week 14 against the New York Giants, Bresee blocked a field goal attempt by Graham Gano as regulation expired, giving the Saints a 14–11 victory.[13]
Bresee entered the 2025 season as one of New Orleans' starting defensive tackles. In Week 5 against the New York Giants, Bresee forced a fumble on Cam Skattebo, which was returned 86 yards for a touchdown by Jordan Howden in an eventual 26–14 victory.[14]
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Bold | Career high |
Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Fumbles | Interceptions | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | FF | FR | Yds | TD | Int | Yds | TD | PD | ||
| 2023 | NO | 17 | 0 | 24 | 12 | 12 | 4.5 | 7 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6 |
| 2024 | NO | 17 | 11 | 25 | 17 | 8 | 7.5 | 7 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 |
| 2025 | NO | 15 | 15 | 37 | 15 | 22 | 2.5 | 5 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 |
| Career | 49 | 26 | 86 | 44 | 42 | 14.5 | 19 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 12 | |
Personal life
[edit]Bresee's sister Ella died from brain cancer in 2022 at the age of 15.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ Ertle, Brenden (May 2, 2023). "5 things to know about Saints DT Bryan Bresee". Canal Street Chronicles. Retrieved November 2, 2025.
- ^ "Bryan Bresee, Clemson Tigers, Strong-Side Defensive End". 247Sports. Retrieved March 27, 2020.
- ^ Wells, Adam (April 23, 2019). "5-Star DL Prospect Bryan Bresee Commits to Clemson over Ohio State and Penn State". Bleacher Report. Retrieved March 27, 2020.
- ^ Ricardo, Chad (November 4, 2019). "Damascus senior gets jersey for All-American Bowl". NBC Sports Washington. Retrieved March 27, 2020.
- ^ Adams, Anna (December 23, 2020). "Bryan Bresee named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year". Clemson247. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ a b "2023 NFL Draft: Clemson DL Bryan Bresee, former No. 1 recruit, declares after All-ACC career". CBSSports.com. January 2, 2023. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ "Bryan Bresee Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
- ^ "2023 NFL Draft Scout Bryan Bresee College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
- ^ "New Orleans Saints draft Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee with pick 29 in the 2023 NFL Draft". NewOrleansSaints.com. April 27, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
- ^ "Derek Carr's New Orleans debut is a success as the Saints edge the Titans 16–15". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 11, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- ^ "Baker Mayfield has 3 TD passes, ailing Derek Carr ineffective as Buccaneers top Saints 26–9". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 2, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- ^ "Bryan Bresee 2023 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ Patra, Kevin (December 9, 2024). "Bryan Bresee's field goal block against Giants keeps Saints 'in the mix' for NFC South, playoffs". NFL.com. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
- ^ "WATCH: Jordan Howden makes a game-changing play after filling in for injured starter". saintswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ^ Weisholtz, Drew (September 15, 2022). "Clemson football star mourns death of sister, 15, from brain cancer". TODAY.com. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
External links
[edit]Bryan Bresee
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family background
Bryan Bresee was born on October 6, 2001, in Damascus, Maryland.[1] His father, Rich Bresee, is a former college football offensive lineman who played at James Madison University, while his mother, Meghan Bresee, was an All-American basketball player at Frederick Community College.[4] The family provided strong support for sports, with both parents drawing from their own athletic experiences to encourage their children's involvement in physical activities from a young age.[13] Bresee grew up in a close-knit household with three sisters: older sisters Bailey and Kendall, and younger sister Ella.[14] The siblings shared a competitive environment, often engaging in family activities that fostered teamwork and resilience, reflecting the supportive dynamics of the Bresee home in the Damascus-Frederick area of Maryland.[15] Bresee's early exposure to football came through local youth leagues near his home in the Urbana community, where his father coached him starting at age five.[16] This introduction, influenced by his father's background, helped instill a passion for the sport amid the tight community ties of rural Maryland, paving the way for his later athletic development.[5]High school career
Bryan Bresee attended Damascus High School in Damascus, Maryland, after transferring from Urbana High School following his freshman year, playing defensive tackle for the Hornets from 2017 to 2019.[9] Under coach Eric Wallich, Bresee quickly emerged as a dominant force on the defensive line, contributing to the team's strong run of success, including back-to-back state championships in 2017 and 2018.[17] Over his three seasons at Damascus, Bresee recorded 35 sacks and 80.5 tackles for loss, in addition to lettering in basketball and baseball.[18] His junior season in 2018 was equally impressive, with 12.5 sacks and 34 tackles for loss, earning him recognition as the Maryland Gatorade Football Player of the Year.[7] These performances highlighted his ability to disrupt offenses from the interior, often collapsing pockets and stopping runs in the backfield. He had a standout senior year in 2019 where he tallied 14 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss.[19] Bresee's high school accolades included selections as a first-team MaxPreps All-America in 2018 and consensus five-star recruit status from ESPN, 247Sports, and Rivals, ranking him as the No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2020.[20][21] He was also named the 2019 Maxwell Football Club National High School Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-State honors in Maryland for both 2018 and 2019.[22] In his recruitment, Bresee received offers from top programs including Alabama, Ohio State, Penn State, and Georgia before committing to Clemson on April 23, 2019, during a school assembly.[23] As a senior, he led Damascus to the Maryland 3A state championship, delivering a pivotal performance in the title game with five tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an offensive touchdown despite playing with a broken hand.[24]College career
2020 freshman season
Bresee enrolled at Clemson University in early 2020 as the top-rated recruit in the nation.[21] As a true freshman during the 2020 season, he quickly adapted to college football, securing a rotational role as a defensive tackle and starting 10 of the 12 games he appeared in.[9] His high school pedigree as a dominant lineman from Damascus High School in Maryland provided a strong foundation for his immediate impact on the Tigers' defensive line. In his debut season, Bresee recorded 33 total tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks, along with 1 forced fumble.[9] These contributions were instrumental in Clemson's defensive efforts, helping the team achieve an 8-1 record in Atlantic Coast Conference play and secure the ACC Championship with a 34-10 victory over Notre Dame on December 19, 2020.[25] Operating primarily as a three-technique defensive tackle, Bresee disrupted opposing offenses with his quick first step and power, often rotating alongside veterans like Tyler Davis to maintain pressure on quarterbacks. Bresee's breakout performance earned him significant accolades, including ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, making him only the second Clemson player to win the award after Dexter Lawrence in 2016.[9] He was also selected as a Freshman All-American by outlets including The Athletic, ESPN, and Rivals.[9][26]2021 season
Bresee's 2021 season was severely limited by injury. He appeared in the first four games, starting all four, and recorded 15 total tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.[9] On September 25, 2021, during a game against NC State, Bresee suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.[27] Despite the injury, he earned third-team All-ACC honors.[9]2022 sophomore season
Entering his sophomore season as a projected cornerstone of Clemson's defensive line following a promising freshman year in 2020, Bresee aimed to build on his early success despite limited play in 2021 due to an ACL tear. Bresee appeared in 10 games during the 2022 season, serving as a key rotational player and occasional starter on the defensive line, where he contributed to Clemson's efforts in the ACC. He recorded 16 total tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, demonstrating his pass-rushing ability in limited snaps amid ongoing health challenges.[9][4] One notable performance came early in the season, as Bresee helped anchor the front four against Wake Forest, registering a sack and a tackle for loss in a dominant defensive outing.[28] His role in the rotation allowed Clemson to maintain pressure on quarterbacks, with Bresee often tasked with interior disruptions alongside teammates like Myles Murphy.[28] Bresee's season was interrupted by multiple health issues, including a kidney infection that sidelined him for two games in October and an illness that caused him to miss the November matchup against Miami; he also underwent shoulder surgery during the year.[29][30][31] These setbacks limited his participation in the final three games, but he made a full recovery in time for NFL Draft preparations.[31] Despite the absences, Bresee earned second-team All-ACC honors for his contributions, recognizing his impact on Clemson's defense. On January 2, 2023, he announced his decision to forgo his junior year and declare for the 2023 NFL Draft.[9][32]Professional career
2023 NFL Draft
Bryan Bresee entered the 2023 NFL Draft as one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the class, frequently ranked among the elite interior linemen despite concerns over his injury history. Analysts highlighted his rare combination of size (6'5", 298 pounds at the Combine), athleticism, and pass-rush potential, positioning him as the No. 2 defensive tackle prospect behind Georgia's Jalen Carter in several evaluations. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah noted Bresee's explosive traits and versatility to play multiple techniques, though his draft stock fluctuated due to a torn ACL in 2021 and a non-football medical issue (a blood clot scare) in 2022 that limited his playing time to seven games that season.[3][33] At the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Bresee showcased his athletic profile for a big man, measuring 6'5" and 298 pounds while posting a 4.86-second 40-yard dash (93rd percentile among interior defenders), a 29-inch vertical jump (45th percentile), and 22 bench press repetitions at 225 pounds. He opted not to participate in the shuttle or three-cone drills at the Combine but impressed scouts with his speed and power in position drills. Later, at Clemson's pro day on March 14, 2023, Bresee weighed in at 302 pounds and improved his bench press to 28 repetitions, while running a 4.45-second short shuttle and a 7.41-second three-cone drill, further alleviating concerns about his recovery from the prior year's injuries. Medical evaluations at the Combine and private workouts ultimately cleared him without major red flags, boosting his stock back into first-round consideration among teams needing interior pass rush.[34][35][36] The New Orleans Saints selected Bresee 29th overall in the first round on April 27, 2023, holding their original pick without trading up or down, as he aligned perfectly with their need to bolster the defensive line alongside veterans like Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson. Draft analysts praised the fit, noting Bresee's ability to disrupt from the 3-technique or 5-technique in Dennis Allen's 4-3 scheme, addressing a unit that ranked 26th in sacks the prior season. There were no significant trade rumors involving Bresee on draft night; he was widely projected to the Saints or similar teams seeking high-upside youth on the interior.[37][38][39] Bresee signed his rookie contract on May 16, 2023, a four-year deal worth $12,263,552 fully guaranteed, including a $5,918,948 signing bonus—the largest for a late first-round pick that year. The contract carries average annual value of about $3.07 million, with base salaries starting at $750,000 in 2023 and escalating to $2.42 million in 2026, plus a team option for the fifth year. This structure reflected his status as the 29th pick while providing the Saints long-term security for his projected development into a cornerstone defender.[40][41][42]2023 rookie season
Bresee made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2023 season, appearing in the New Orleans Saints' 16–15 victory over the Tennessee Titans, where he recorded a shared sack and two quarterback hits in a rotational role on the defensive line.[43] As a first-round draft pick, he spent the year developing behind established veterans such as David Onyemata and Nathan Shepherd, primarily serving as a pass-rushing specialist in sub-packages rather than a full-time starter.[2] This rotational usage limited his snap count to about 49% of defensive plays across the season, allowing him to focus on high-impact opportunities while adapting to the professional level.[44] In 17 games with zero starts, Bresee tallied 24 total tackles (12 solo), 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and six pass deflections, emerging as the Saints' leader among defensive tackles in sacks despite his limited role.[2] His first full career sack came in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he also notched three tackles for loss and four total stops in a standout performance that highlighted his explosive first step and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield.[45] Bresee avoided major injuries throughout the year, maintaining consistent availability and contributing to the Saints' defensive efforts that helped secure a 9–8 regular-season record.[46] Although the Saints finished second in the NFC South, they missed the playoffs, ending Bresee's rookie campaign without postseason action.[46] His production, particularly in pass rush, demonstrated promise as a rookie learning curve, setting a foundation for future growth within New Orleans' defensive front.[47]2024 season
In his second NFL season, Bryan Bresee emerged as a key contributor on the New Orleans Saints' defensive line, transitioning from a rotational player to a primary starter. Building on his rookie year output of 4.5 sacks, Bresee played in all 17 games, logging his first 11 career starts and achieving full-time starter status by mid-season.[11][4] Bresee recorded 25 total tackles (17 solo), a career-high 7.5 sacks—which led the team and ranked second among NFL interior defensive linemen—three tackles for loss, one forced fumble, three pass breakups, and one blocked field goal.[11][4][48] His sack total marked a significant sophomore leap, with 14 quarterback hits and 24 pressures underscoring his pass-rushing impact.[12] Notable performances included a sack on Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in Week 13, which benefited from replay review assistance and helped disrupt a key drive during a 27-20 Saints loss.[49] In Week 14 against the New York Giants, Bresee blocked a 35-yard field-goal attempt on the final play, preserving a 24-20 victory.[50] His disruptive play generated Pro Bowl consideration buzz, with teammate Cameron Jordan publicly advocating for his selection despite Bresee not making the roster.[51][48] The Saints finished the 2024 campaign with a 5-12 record, placing fourth in the NFC South amid an injury-plagued year.[52][53] Head coach Dennis Allen was fired after a 2-7 start on November 4, with special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi stepping in as interim head coach and guiding the team to a 3-5 finish. This transition included a defensive line revamp, as longtime coach Todd Grantham was removed from direct duties and reassigned as a senior adviser, with assistant Brian Young assuming primary defensive line responsibilities to inject new energy into the unit.[54][55] Bresee dealt with a brief ankle issue during Week 5 preparations against the Kansas City Chiefs, limiting his practice participation but not causing him to miss any games.[56]2025 season
In his third NFL season, Bryan Bresee continued as a starting defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints, appearing in all 10 games through Week 10 as of November 16, 2025, with 25 total tackles (9 solo), 1.5 sacks, and 2 tackles for loss.[2] His performance included three passes defended and one forced fumble, contributing to 21 pressures according to Pro Football Focus grading.[12] A key highlight came in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, where Bresee blocked a 46-yard field goal attempt by kicker Chad Ryland, helping to keep the game close in a 20-13 loss.[57] In Week 7 versus the Chicago Bears, he collaborated with edge rusher Chase Young for a sack on quarterback Caleb Williams, collapsing the pocket in a game the Saints lost 26-14.[58] Bresee's efforts have been part of a Saints defense that has recorded 17 sacks as a unit, ranking 17th league-wide, while the team has allowed 21 sacks on offense, placing them near the bottom in protection.[59][60] The Saints hold a 2-8 record through 10 games, last in the NFC South and facing long odds for playoff contention at under 1% per early projections.[61] Bresee's role has evolved from his breakout 2024 campaign, where he led the team with 7.5 sacks, into a more rotational presence amid defensive line adjustments under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.[4][62] Bresee was listed as questionable for Week 10 due to a back injury that limited his practice participation earlier in the week but ultimately played and recorded four tackles in the victory over the Carolina Panthers. With 2025 serving as the final year of his rookie contract before the fifth-year option decision, early discussions about a potential extension have surfaced, emphasizing his development as a cornerstone interior pass rusher.[63][64] Off the field, Bresee has maintained low-profile endorsements tied to his college NIL deals, including partnerships with Chevrolet and Prisma Health, with no major new announcements reported this season.[65]Career statistics and playing style
Regular season statistics
Bresee's NFL regular season statistics are summarized in the table below, reflecting his performance as a defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints (as of Week 10 of the 2025 season).[11][2][66]| Year | Team | GP | GS | Total Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | NO | 17 | 0 | 24 | 4.5 |
| 2024 | NO | 17 | 11 | 25 | 7.5 |
| 2025 | NO | 10 | 10 | 25 | 1.5 |
| Career | 44 | 21 | 74 | 13.5 |
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