The New Orleans Saints improved their defense by choosing Bryan Bresee, a player from Clemson, as the No. 29 pick in the NFL Draft.

Wearing pink shirts emblazoned with "Ella Strong" on the front, Bryan Bresee, a defensive tackle from Clemson, and his family celebrated his selection in the 2023 NFL Draft by embracing and shedding tears in their Maryland home. The NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, announced Bresee's name as the 29th overall pick for the New Orleans Saints.

On a conference call with New Orleans media, Bresee, who hails from Damascus, Md., shared that playing in the NFL has been a lifelong dream of his. He expressed his excitement at receiving the call from the Saints, stating that it was an unimaginable moment until it finally happened.

Bresee is a versatile player, able to line up at multiple spots on the interior of the defensive line and outside the tackles if needed. Clemson's pro day showcased his strength, as he put up 28 reps on the bench press. Standing at 6 feet 5, 305 pounds, Bresee possesses NFL size and impressive athleticism, with long arms measuring 32.5 inches and a 40-yard dash time of 4.86 seconds.

Saints Coach Dennis Allen acknowledged Bresee's exceptional talent, highlighting his physicality and athleticism. He emphasized that Bresee fills a position of need and is poised to be an outstanding addition to the team.

Bresee has been acknowledged by the Saints as a dedicated player who will strive to earn the respect of his peers and coaches through hard work and determination. The Saints seek to fill the void in their defensive line resulting from the exits of David Onyemata and Marcus Davenport in free agency, and Bresee, formerly of the Clemson Tigers, is expected to be of great assistance in this regard. Bresee's 82.0 pass-rush grade, 24 pressures, and 17 hurries in 2022 were highlighted by Pro Football Focus, and his excellent performance in the ACC Conference Championship against the North Carolina Tar Heels, during which he recorded a 91.2 defensive grade and five pressures, was noted.

New Orleans interacted with Bresee at the combine and during a visit to Clemson, where he was put through his paces, underwent a workout, and spent time with Allen and other Clemson players at the Palm Meadow Smokehouse. Allen praised the defensive tackle for his impressive athleticism and size, as well as his ability to penetrate and move inside. Bresee, who was rated as the number one recruit in the country when he joined Clemson, demonstrated his worth by being named Freshman All-American and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020.

"He experienced injuries during his sophomore year, including a torn ACL four games into the 2021 season and shoulder surgery during the subsequent offseason. Nonetheless, in 26 games played at Clemson, Bresee managed to compile impressive statistics, including 64 tackles, nine sacks, four pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble, and a safety.

Moreover, while at Clemson, Bresee also faced a personal tragedy when his sister Ella passed away from brain cancer at the young age of 15 in September 2022.

"This individual endured many challenges, which can be difficult to overcome," remarked Allen. "His strength in overcoming adversity is commendable."

Bresee, who hails from Clemson, acknowledged that his hardships made him a more mature person.

"I have experienced much in my life; things that force you to mature quickly," Bresee revealed. "Many people never go through such things, nor should they."

Bresee affirmed that his sister would be thrilled to watch him get drafted.

"She enjoyed watching me play and being around football," Bresee disclosed.

During the draft, Bresee watched the event with his parents, siblings, brother-in-law, and grandmother at his home in Maryland. While he acknowledged that it was an emotional experience due to Ella's absence, he also stated that his sister's fight continues to motivate him.

"Observing her fight each day, seeing her maintain a positive attitude and a smile on her face was truly remarkable," Bresee said. "It reminds me that whatever I am going through is not nearly as difficult as what she had to endure."

Source: Keplersafe