ESPN's Jeremy Fowler presented his annual top-10 positional rankings, compiled through votes from executives, scouts and coaches. Not only did New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee not make the list, he didn't even get a vote.
Voters give their opinion on each player, and Fowler turns the thoughts into a quick excerpt on each player. When it comes to honorable mentions, you can typically get a gauge of what kept a player off the list.
Bresee wasn't even an honorable mention, so the reasoning behind his exclusion is purely speculative. Bresee was the Saints leader in sacks in 2024 and one of the leaders in sacks at defensive tackle. There's one huge reason that Bresee would find himself on the outside looking in, his run defense.
Bryan Bresee has a small chance to rush his way into the top-10
If Bresee is going to ascend into the top-10 rankings, there are two ways he can do it. He could take another step forward as a pass rusher. That’s his specialty and was the driving force of Bresee’s sophomore campaign.
Breeee made the leap from 4.5 sacks to 7.5 sacks in Year 2. A similar jump would put the defensive tackle in the double digits. 10 or more sacks could make Bresee's case for inclusion but not undeniable. He was one of the best interior pass rushers this past season and it didn't even earn him one vote for the top-10.
Bresee can no longer be a one stat player
With the Saints struggles rushing the passer, you can’t downplay the impact of Bresee notching 10 sacks. However, becoming a better run defender would elevate his profile and keep him on the field more.
Right now, Bresee is a pass rush specialist who's defined by his sack total. It's rare to describe a defensive tackle like that, but it's an accurate assessment for Bresee.
The majority of Bresee's snaps have come in pass defense. That isn't just luck of the draw. PFF graded Bresee as one of the worst run defenders at his position.
If he continues to be a liability in this part of the game, it'll be something the Saints will have to work around by getting more run defenders at his position and surround Bresee with better run defenders.
It's difficult to be one of the 10 best at your position if you struggle mightily as a run defender. Changing that could lead to a transformation in Bresee's game and possibly lift him into the top-10 next year.
