Now that the 2022 college football season is over, it’s time to start taking a closer look at some of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL draft class.
Next up, we have Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee.
DI Bryan Bresee, Clemson
- Big board rank: 5
- Height: 6-foot-5
- Weight: 300 pounds
Stat to know: 60 total pressures generated in his three years at Clemson.
NFL role: Bresee is built like an edge rusher who plays defensive tackle, as he’s so athletic that he can even slide out along the edge from time to time. And given his pass-rushing instincts, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him do that occasionally in the NFL. Bresee has an 82.0 PFF pass-rushing grade on the season and has racked up eight total sacks in his career at Clemson. Although he’s played nose tackle at times, expect Bresee to play more between the gaps at the next level, which is where he’s most comfortable. Any NFL team would be lucky to have Bresee, as he not only improves the team's run defense but also brings an elite pass-rushing ability for a defensive tackle.
Bryan Bresee with the sack on a big 3rd down.. maybe block this guy?
Good see to him back today 🐅 pic.twitter.com/0R0XgXW9ck
— RanDynasty (@ran_dynasty) October 22, 2022
Highest-graded game: ACC CHAMPIONSHIP VS. NORTH CAROLINA (91.2)
Bresee saved his best performance of the season for his second-to-last game in a Clemson uniform, as he dominated the Tar Heels in the ACC Championship game. Bresee made most of his impact as a pass-rusher, tying his season-high with five pressures, one of which was a quarterback hit. This game helped showcase Bresee's pass-rush skill set that should make him a popular prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Lowest-graded game: WEEK 7 VS. FLORIDA STATE (41.3)
Bresee had a key missed tackle in this game that cost Clemson 17 yards. Having said that, he doesn't miss many tackles, as he only has four missed tackles in his entire career at Clemson. This was one of only three games of the season where Bresee failed to record a single tackle.
Clemson DT Bryan Bresee is a big, strong player, but he couldn’t bring down Trey Benson here. Benson’s strength is remarkable. pic.twitter.com/J38glyXnrI
— Curt Weiler (@CurtMWeiler) October 16, 2022
What he does well: Bresee has arguably the best size and strength combination among interior defenders in college football. He is so powerful and quick that he just simply bulldozes linemen. You will not find many defensive tackles who have Bresee's pass-rushing instincts. He posted an 81.2 pass-rushing grade as a true freshman and has maintained a career grade over 66 in that category. His versatility and quickness make him so dangerous as a defender. He also rarely misses tackles, which is so critical when stopping the run.
Bryan Bresee is unreal, he moves this fast at 6’5”, 305 https://t.co/ndeGVESnQ6
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) November 12, 2022
What he needs to improve: Bresee definitely has some room to improve against the run, as his run defense grade is only 63.4 this season. He hasn’t missed very many tackles this season, tallying only eight in his Clemson career. Bresee can also afford to put on about 10 more pounds if he’d like to. Believe it or not, 300 pounds is considered on the lighter side for defensive tackles in the NFL.
Best NFL traits: Power, build, quick first step, pass-rushing instincts, size
Best NFL fits: Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers