© Credit:© Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Draft Prospect: Bryan Bresee's Clemson Teammate Potential Disruptive Target For New Orleans Saints
After the rookie success of Bryan Bresee, pairing him with his collegiate teammate could create a disruptive inside duo for the Saints.
Clemson DT Bryan Bresee was a first-round choice by the New Orleans Saints last season. Bresee provided a significant upgrade to the New Orleans interior, contributing 4.5 sacks, 13 pressures, nine QB hits, seven tackles for loss, and batting down six passes. While he flashed the potential of an All-Pro player, the rest of the defensive tackle position was just average.
Nathan Shepherd, a free-agent addition last offseason, had a solid year with 3.5 sacks, eight QB hits, and four tackles for loss. Khalen Saunders, another free agent signing, did little on the defensive side. Malcolm Roach missed some time with injuries and departed in free agency this offseason. Depth is a concern, but adding another interior playmaker alongside Bresee would be a boost to the entire defense.
It would be extremely surprising if the Saints addressed this position with their first round choice because of more glaring needs. However, New Orleans may look to add another inside presence with other picks, perhaps as early as Day 2. One option could be Bresee's collegiate teammate.
Ruke Orhorhoro, DT - Clemson; 6'4" & 294-Lbs.
Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro (33) pressures the quarterback against the Louisville Cardinals
Credit:© Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ruke Orhorhoro moved with his family from Nigeria to Michigan, where he'd attend River Rouge High School. He wouldn't even start playing football until his junior year, but still earned an offer from Clemson in 2019. As a freshman and sophomore he'd see light action as a reserve, recording a half sack and two tackles for loss before taking a medical redshirt in 2020.
Orhorhoro showed what he could do as an injury replacement for Bryan Bresee in 2021, when put together 2.5 sacks and eight stops for loss. He continued significant development over the next two years, combining for nine sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 2022 and 2023.
A muscular player, Orhorhoro has potentially top-tier athletic ability for an interior defender. He showed noticeable improvement over his last three seasons at Clemson and has the ability to play multiple roles along the defensive line.
A better pass rusher than his stats would indicate, Orhorhoro has tremendous explosion off the snap. He shows a variety of moves and upside in that area, with a terrific closing burst into the backfield. He'll get under a lineman's pads in an instant for a leverage advantage or will blast between blockers in the blink of an eye.
Against the run, Orhorhoro has solid power at the point of attack. He uses his hands reasonably well to disengage from blockers and go into pursuit. His outstanding lateral quickness allows him to close off running lanes.
Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (33) sacks North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10)
Credit:© Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Orhorhoro is still not only learning the position, but the game itself, after not beginning his football career until the latter stages of high school. This inexperience could hinder his early impact. It's very evident as a pass rusher, where he lacks a go-to move or counters. He'll need good positional coaching to continue his development and maximize his upside.
More refined technique is a must for Orhorhoro to enhance his power and quickness. He will struggle against double-team blocking, often getting stood up or cut off from the play. These issues will likely limit him to situational roles while he hopefully continues to grow.
Ruke Orhorhoro is near the top of a thin defensive tackle class. His athleticism and potential could make him a second-round pick and almost certainly take him off the board before the end of Day 2. If the Saints are that team, then his familiarity with Bresee could accelerate his development.
Orhorhoro may not be an every down player right away. However, his explosiveness and natural abilities should make him dynamic in situational duties immediately, while also giving him the upside of a consistently disruptive starter.
