Why 2025 will be a big year for Saints DT Bryan Bresee
The defensive line of the New Orleans Saints has been an issue for some years. This was due to a lack of pass rush and extremely inconsistent run defense. This reared its ugly head last year, and the Saints have focused on improving in this area throughout the offseason. When looking at the top defensive lineman on the roster, Bryan Bresee is one of those names that gets talked about. Like almost every player on this roster, Bresee has positive aspects of his game, but the negatives are also noticeable.
Focusing on the positives first, Bresee is a spectacular pass rusher. In his rookie season, Bresee was third in sacks on the team, and last season, he was the Saintsâ sack leader with 7.5. He has a lethal spin move that leaves interior offensive linemen in the dust, and it never seems like Bresee gives up on the play. The issues start when talking about his run defense. Since being drafted in 2023, Bresee has been one of the worst run defenders on the Saints. Looking even further, Bresee has been one of the worst run defenders in the NFL. Last season, per PFF, Bresee was rated the second-worst in the league. This could be something the Saints can hide, but with a defensive line that struggles at run defense, this weakness in Breseeâs game gets consistently exposed. Still, going into the 2025/26 season, the Saints have a way to improve this issue without making Bresee a situational defensive lineman.
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The defensive line coaches were one aspect of the prior Saints staff contributing to the defensive struggles. There were some bright spots, but overall, the development and coaching of these players was not good enough. A situation like this can stunt the growth of any player, and Bresee was a victim of this. Entering the 2023 NFL Draft, it was known that Bryan Bresee was not a good run defender, but he shines as a pass rusher. This was one of the reasons he dropped all the way to the Saintsâ selection. Still, with development, Bresee could become one of the most dangerous defensive tackles in the league. As we know, this did not happen, but itâs also not too late. Bresee turns 24 near the beginning of the regular season, which means he is still young enough to continue developing. This can only happen if the coaching staff is built for developing defensive tackles, and that is exactly what the Saints now have.
When head coach Kellen Moore was hired, the offseason was well underway, and many other teams with new head coaches had their whole staff already built. New Orleans was behind in this area, so work needed to be done and happen fast. On defense, their eyes were very focused on college football, and for the defensive line staff, they hired one of the most respected coaches in college football, Bo Davis. The former LSU defensive line coach has had a history of developing young DTs and sending them straight to the league. The Saints clearly valued this, and with a group of defensive linemen trying to find consistency, Davis was a perfect hire. This was also perfect for Bresee, who needs to become more consistent in a number of areas. Becoming a great run defender is not an easy task, and I very much doubt Bresee becomes that during his rookie contract, but if he can become at least serviceable, the Saints defense will be in a much better spot. The old coaching staff could not do this, but Bo Davis can be the coach to improve this aspect of Breseeâs game.
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Another aspect of this new coaching staff that can put Bryan Bresee in a perfect situation to succeed is Brandon Staleyâs scheme. Staley will heavily utilize a 3-4 defensive alignment throughout the season. This would take Bresee out of that defensive tackle role and put him at defensive end. Here, his run defense will still be important, but the nose tackle will take some pressure away. This will allow Bresee to focus more on pass rush and thrive. Staley will still be using a 4-3 defense at times, but Bresee should be able to go right back to that defensive tackle position and play well. For years, the Saints have not used a real nose tackle in their defense, which could have contributed to Breseeâs struggles. Now, with a scheme that heavily utilizes that defensive line role, players like Bresee can play more freely, and their games will improve.
For Bryan Bresee, the 2025/26 season will be extremely important due to his 5th-year option deadline. Yes, it is still more than a year away, but if Bresee can not improve his run defense and find consistency, the New Orleans Saints may not pick up his option.
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