2nd Round, Pick 45: Lions select Alabama S Brian Branch

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That should make people happy. CGJ insurance.

𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗜𝘀 𝗜𝗻: With pick 45 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, the #Lions are selecting S Brian Branch The #Packers traded the pick to the Lions. Gave pick 48 and 159 for pick 45.

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Perfect fit for our secondary

Star/NB

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I like it. Finally

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Originally, people were talking about him at No. 18 overall, so

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Finally. My favorite pick of the draft so far. I LOVE this kid. Straight baller. Versatile, smart and a great locker room guy. Unbelievable.

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Hey a pick I don’t have to vomit at!

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Amazing pick and amazing value

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Love this pick!

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Being bulimic is ok …

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Grade Analysis = A

Best tackling defensive back I’ve ever scouted. Instinctive playmaker in coverage at intermediate level. Extensive slot defender experience. Just a lesser athlete. Will be fun with Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. (Chris Trapasso)

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 89.57 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Daxton Hill

Accolades:

  • 2022: AP second-team All-American
  • 2022: Only SEC player with 90+ tackles, 2+ interceptions and 2+ sacks

Summary:

Brian Branch is a versatile, intelligent player who has been asked to do a lot for Nick Saban’s team. He has fulfilled a leadership role with flying colors. Branch is effective as a spot pass-rusher and playing down hill to fit the run. One has to nitpick to find many flaws in his game, but Branch could add a bit more mass to his frame. He had just a 3.2% missed tackle rate in 2022.

Strengths:

  • Versatilility allows him to play safety, nickel and boundary in a pinch
  • High football IQ
  • Fluid hips to transition across the field
  • Effective on blitzes
  • Does a good job getting off blocks

Weaknesses:

  • Average in man coverage
  • Played a flexible role at Alabama, will a team get good return value in a more refined role?
  • Would like to see him add a bit more mass to his frame

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.58 seconds
  • Vertical: 34.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 5 inches
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So, I take it that our secondary isn’t an issue anymore, right?

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Written Pre-Combine

https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=3194

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I can’t believe we got Branch AND CJGJ

Two swiss army knives

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If we took Branch at 18 and Campbell at 45, would anybody bat an eyelash? For those “value hounds”, this evens it out somewhat.

This kid has something that you can’t teach “instinct”. That’s more important than these super athletic guys that rely on “traits”.

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Very pleased to get Branch. Thought we could choose him at 34.

Earlier I mentioned how REACH guys are actually guys you can trust the staff really wanted - they didn’t care about reach status just wanted THAT guy.

The same applies to trade up guys. The team parted with other picks in order to move up to get THAT guy. No settling.

Note: ESPN spent some time on Branch.

Good LBs and safeties are keys to a cohesive defense. Branch and Campbell should both be keys to our upcoming defense.

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Darius Rush and our secondary just became ELITE

Moesely— Jacobs— Rush
Sutton— Mccain

Branch — Harris— Lucas

CGJ
Walker
Kerby — Iffy

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I like high end trait guys-so this one doesn’t move the needle for me much. Understand why many are excited about the pick though

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That was a future move/xepth for this year.

He will be a goox one for us.
Still need CB for next season.

We know they like Harris…we know they like Kerby…what xoes this say for Iffy?

What you guys thinking about iffy?

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