If there was any need for the New Orleans Saints’ trust in defensive tackle Bryan Bresee’s ability to continue developing into a disruptive force, look no further than the team’s offseason decisions.
While New Orleans did make a key selection at defensive tackle via the NFL Draft, the team hardly made moves that threatened to usurp Bresee from his role and responsibilities.
Instead, the team appeared to add players that would complement Bresee’s disruptive pass rushing ability by adding bigger bodies that can take up space and blockers in the trenches. Big-bodied defenders like second-round pick Christen Miller and undrafted free agent Zxavian Harris are prime examples.
The Saints also made the choice to pick up Bresee’s fifth-year option. While declining such a decision isn’t always a signal that the team doesn’t see a future with the player, picking up the option shows at least some desire to maximize the player’s time with the team. For Bresee, this decision proved that New Orleans sees a future with the defensive tackle who has shown a lot of promise in his development.
The progress that has inspired the Saints to continue investing in Bresee saw a major boost last year. While Bresee’s sack numbers didn’t repeat from his 7.5-sack 2024 season, his development as a run defender and disruptive presence on the interior were hard to miss. Those elements continued to be complimented by defensive coordinator Brandon Staley throughout the season.
With a full year with Staley under his belt, Bresee now has a chance to further his game with a second year in the system. He’s moved from mostly aligning as a 3-tech pass rusher on the interior to playing more of a defensive end role in Staley’s odd-man front system.
The adjustment appears to have paid off for Bresee, who is a very athletic defensive tackle, allowing him the agility and quickness to succeed against both offensive tackles and guards.
The fourth-year lineman took the most run defense snaps in his career last year while seeing his fewest pass rush snaps. Despite that, he still generated pressure at a similar rate. He also saw the most first down reps in his career in 2025, proving Staley’s belief in him as a three-down player.
One of his teammates, recently re-signed edge rusher Cameron Jordan shared an observation about Bresee’s development that is also worth noting.
Jordan’s observation that former Saints defensive line coach Todd Grantham didn’t benefit the team is nothing new. He’s been consistent on that standpoint for some time. Therefore, the transition from Grantham to current Saints’ defensive line coach Bo Davis now opens the doors for a Bresee breakout in the coming years.
With a system that supports his talents, a growing three-down role and one of football’s best defensive line coaches working with him, 2026 could be a big year for Bresee.
