Wesley Bissainthe is a 6’2’’, 225-pound linebacker and has been a cornerstone of the Miami Hurricanes’ defense since 2022. The local kid stayed true to his roots when he joined the team from Miami Central HS (FL), and never looked back. Eventually working up to be on the 2025 Dick Butkus Award watchlist, he also played a big role in Miami’s 13-win season and CFP National Championship appearance. Bissainthe possesses a long and linear build that allows him to function as a coverage specialist. He has good lateral agility and vertical speed, which gives him the range to track down ball carriers exceptionally well. His first-step quickness is a hallmark of his game, but his strength remains a category with room for improvement. He lacks the lower-body power to consistently face bulkier offensive linemen, and he is more suited as a pursuit defender.
Tackling is where he shines. His wingspan and wrap-up technique are exceptional, where he excels in space and can use his reach to expand the tackle radius. In head-on situations, backs can occasionally run through him for extra yardage. Processing is another strong point for him, as he intelligently waits for blocks to develop and can read the backfield with great confidence. Rarely will he bite on play action. Bissainthe will not be an interception machine by any stretch of the imagination, but he may get the occasional tip-interception thanks to his aforementioned wingspan. Experienced NFL weapons, particularly the speedsters, will likely have an easier time beating Bissainthe off the edge should he not have the right pursuit angle or if the latter wins off pure speed.
Scheme and Team Fit
Will fit well in a 4-3 or 3-4 system that has the interior front keeping a path to the quarterback clean. He is an ideal fit for zone-heavy schemes. Projects well to the Seattle Seahawks, who ran a ton of zone coverage in 2025, as well as the Philadelphia Eagles.
NFL Player Comparison: Divine Deablo (Atlanta Falcons)
Like Deablo, Bissainthe thrives in zone coverage and uses his length to disrupt passing lanes and maintains the vertical and lateral speed to play all three downs.
Projection: League Average Starter
Bissainthe will not be the next Fred Warner or Bobby Wagner to grace the NFL. His strength just does not compare to the two in their prime. However, if paired with a defensive line that can prevent interior offensive linemen from climbing, Bissainthe has the potential to be a high-end starter, perhaps a fringe Pro Bowler. His experience in high-stakes games with Miami cannot be overstated. He could very well be a steal on day 3.
Grade and Round Projection: 4.9, Round 4 Pick
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