Two ACC Defensive Linemen Who Could Get New Orleans Saints’ Attention on Day 2 of NFL Draft
Taking a closer look at two disruptive ACC defensive tackles from what appears to be an underappreciated draft class at the position.
When the New Orleans Saints selected Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee in the first round of last year’s NFL Draft with the 29th overall choice, he immediately improved the interior of their defensive line. Bresee recorded 4.5 sacks, 13 pressures, seven tackles for loss, and six tipped passes as a rookie.
While Bresee appears to be a regular Pro Bowler, the rest of the tackle position may benefit from an upgrade. Nathan Shepherd had a successful year after being signed in free agency. However, fellow free agent acquisition Khalen
New Orleans will not use its first-round pick on a defensive tackle. However, don’t be surprised if the Saints add another guy at this position fairly soon, possibly with a Day 2 pick.
Here are two ACC talents that the team should seriously consider adding.
Braden Fiske, DT – Florida State; 6’4″, 292 lbs.
Braden Fiske attended Western Michigan for the first four years of his college career after graduating from Michigan City High School in Indiana. Over his first two years, he played in situational duties and recorded 3.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss. Fiske was a disruptive force for the Broncos in 2021, recording four sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.
Fiske improved even more in 2022, recording six sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles on his way to All-MAC accolades. Fiske transferred to Florida State for his senior year in 2023 and was similarly impressive for the Seminoles, finishing with six sacks, nine stops for loss, and being named to the All-ACC Second Team.
Fiske is an incredibly swift defensive tackle who plays with a ferocious energy. He is explosive out of his stance and has excellent timing to knife between blockers in a flash. He’ll also have a rapid advantage because to his powerful first punch.
Fiske possesses good upper-body strength and physicality to go with his speed. He’s a tremendously agile pass rusher with an excellent combination of speed and power movements. Against the run, he frequently penetrates backfields to disrupt plays and fights through double teams with unrelenting zeal and underestimated strength.
DeWayne Carter, Duke’s DT; 6’2″ and 302 pounds.
Duke recruited DeWayne Carter from Pickerington Central High School near Columbus, Ohio. After redshirting in 2019 and seeing minimal action in 2020 (one sack/2.5 tackles for loss), Carter led the Blue Devils with 4.5 sacks, 7.5 stops, and five forced fumbles in 2021.
Carter made significant progress in his final two seasons. In 2022, he’d lead Duke with 11 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, three fumbles forced, and four passes tipped. Last season, he recorded one sack and 3.5 tackles for loss. It was nevertheless good enough for 1st Team All-ACC after receiving 2nd Team All-conference accolades the previous year.
Carter, a three-year captain who improved significantly each season, has been equally disruptive against the run and pass. He has a strong drive off the snap and plays each down with great leverage and enthusiasm.
Carter has a powerful bull rush and a decisive spin move as a pass rusher. Against the run, he establishes a firm anchor and gains quick penetration to disrupt runs in their infancy. He possesses good lateral quickness to close gaps quickly and disengages efficiently to get into chase.
