Dallas Cowboys Draft Profile – Bryan Bresee, DT

One of the 2022 issues for the Dallas Cowboys was that of their run defense. When Johnathan Hankins was out, the Cowboys had trouble containing the run. As they shuffled the line around, it was the run defense and consistent pressure coming from the inside that was glaring needs.

With only Hankins set for free agency, they don’t need the position like they do wide receiver or cornerback, but it is something they certainly look to get more consistency.

With the release of Trysten Hill, the Dallas Cowboys may have pushed this position a little up the list and Bryan Bresee can help in a myriad of ways, even if it may not be at 1-technique defensive tackle.

Dan Quinn loves the versatility of players, and Bresee might be able to line up at all four spots. Gallimore did try to fill this role this season, but it may have been a little too much for him. Bresee can step in and assume that role and allow Gallimore to go back to where he is most comfortable.

Bryan Bresee is a defensive tackle that could help against the run but afford some pass rushing on the inside for the Dallas Cowboys.

While I believe a more traditional 1-tech defensive tackle is the bigger need, it is hard to ignore all the good things about Bresee. At Clemson, he played all four positions and was a force at each for the Tigers.

He racked up 9.5 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss, but his primary position was as an interior pass rusher in a 3-tech or 5-tech role. His flexibility does give him the ability to move around, but in obvious rushing situations he will probably do better as a slasher than a block eater.

There is a lot to like about Bresee. His footwork and pass rush set tops the list and he uses both adeptly to be a menace. Teams had to account for him as a pass rusher on the inside and with the agility and power combination will command double teams, opening up other gaps for other pass rushers.

He flows down the line really well against the run, but he really impresses when he is allowed to get into the backfield and not just hold a block.

While Bresee won’t eat double teams, he might be seen as more of a tool than a specific positional player. Injuries are a question over the last two years, and how that will impact him will be closely watched this offseason. Sometimes he will get his pad level a little too high, but this seems to be the majority against runs up the middle.

Bresee may not be for everyone as he should be seen as a 3-technique or possibly a 3-4 defensive end if he can work on setting the edge. If not, he will perform much better in a role similar to Neville Gallimore. Bresee does give pressure up the middle consistently which would be an upgrade over anyone currently on the roster.

Quinn could find uses for him as a pass rusher moving along the line to force favorable blocking adjustments. Depending on how teams view the injuries and flexibility within their scheme he could be an option late in the first round. There is a lot to love about Bresee and fully healthy instantly upgrades the interior of the defensive line.