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

The War Room Detroit Lions ā€” The Den
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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 donā€™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 ā€¦

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Grade Analysis = A

Best tackling defensive back Iā€™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 Sabanā€™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 isnā€™t an issue anymore, right?

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Written Pre-Combine

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

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I canā€™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 ā€œvalue houndsā€, this evens it out somewhat.

This kid has something that you canā€™t teach ā€œinstinctā€. Thatā€™s more important than these super athletic guys that rely on ā€œtraitsā€.

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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 didnā€™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

Moeselyā€” Jacobsā€” Rush
Suttonā€” Mccain

Branch ā€” Harrisā€” Lucas

CGJ
Walker
Kerby ā€” Iffy

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I like high end trait guys-so this one doesnā€™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 Harrisā€¦we know they like Kerbyā€¦what xoes this say for Iffy?

What you guys thinking about iffy?

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I generally do too, but if thereā€™s one position where it doesnā€™t seem to matter as much its safety. Even Brad has hit on some subpar athletes safeties like Fuller and John Johnson. Hufanga wasnā€™t a great tester and heā€™s a badass. Itā€™s more about instincts and Branch has those in spades.

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Not thinking about Iffy. He will have to fend for himself.

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Have the Lions ever traded this much in a draft?