Jeff Duncan: Why Bryan Bresee made so much sense for the New Orleans Saints

He played at a high-level program

The Saints loves players from elite programs like Clemson.

Ireland’s track record speaks for itself: Of the 49 players selected by the Saints since 2015, 34 have come from Power 5 schools and Notre Dame, including 20 of the club’s 26 first- and second-day draft picks.

The Saints value players from elite programs because of the competitive environments they foster. Not only did Bresee face elite competition on a weekly basis in their conferences, but also on a daily basis in practice. At Clemson, Bresee practiced against five- and four-star offensive linemen like Walker Parks, Marcus Tate and Tristan Lee, guys who likely will be playing on Sundays in the future.

Similarly, the Saints know that Ohio State receivers like Michael Thomas and Chris Olave were trying to get open in practice against NFL-caliber cornerbacks like Marshon Lattimore.

As Saints head coach Dennis Allen said Thursday night, selecting players from elite programs “helps solidify the evaluation of a player a little more” for scouts and coaches.

He comes from an athletic background

It’s not a requirement, but rather a preference: Bresee comes from good stock.

Like so many Saints players, he grew up in an athletic family. His father, Richie, played offensive guard at James Madison University. His mother, Meghan, was an All-American basketball player at Frederick Community College. His older sister, Kendall, played college basketball.

Bresee played baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse and soccer as a kid and was a multi-sport standout in high school.

The Saints have always valued players who come from competitive backgrounds. Cam Jordan, Mark Ingram, Kaden Elliss and Andrus Peat, for example, are the sons of former NFL players.