The New Orleans Saints have multiple directions to go in the first round of this year's NFL Draft.

 Quarterback isn't on the table anymore – at least. Now, they may look at a tight end, wide receiver, defensive lineman, or even a running back. Those are the positions that first come to mind as potential needs in the short-term right now. 

The defensive line is where their depth may deplete the most, especially on the interior. David Onyemata is set to be a free agent, and there's little proven talent behind him at interior defensive lineman. 

ESPN's Todd McShay is one of the most plugged-in individuals around the draft. As of right now, he projects the Saints to select Clemson DL Bryan Bresee with the 29th overall pick. 

Bresee is coming off a tough season — he recorded just 3.5 sacks and dealt with a kidney infection and the death of his sister — but we can see the talent on the tape. At 6-6 and 298 pounds, he displays great upper-body strength and quick hands. I like the fit as a run-plugger in the middle of the Saints' defense, replacing free agent David Onyemata. The Saints' run D gave up 4.5 yards per carry last season, which ranked 20th.

The Saints ranked 17th in rush defense DVOA last season, according to Football Outsiders. 

This advanced stat of the week is powered by Boston Scientific!

if you watched the Saints for most of last season, you'd know that the rush defense was not as elite as normal. 

There were a couple weeks where they simply could not get a stop on the ground, and teams salted away the clock. That kept an already-limited offense for the Saints off the field. If the Saints lost Onyemata, it would only decline in talent further. 

They would need to add young talent at that spot in order to improve. 

Bresee certainly does that. His physical traits are among the best in the draft class, and his upside is riveting. There are some injury concerns, but if the Saints are confident in that side of his profile, they will be intrigued. 

He would make plenty of sense alongside Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson. The latter made strides last year, and the prior is a consistent DL force. 

Bresee would be another impressive piece to add to a gifted defense that looks to bounce back in 2023. They showed improved flashes late in 2022.

https://www.edcure.org/find-a-specialist/