Kirk Herbstreit says Lions rookie Brian Branch 'can do anything' on the football field

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit is a big fan of former Alabama safety Brian Branch as the rookie works through training camp with the Detroit Lions.

Branch was selected with the No. 45 overall pick (second round) in the 2023 NFL Draft. And he’s a pretty dynamic rookie with the ability to play multiple positions.

Herbstreit was very complimentary of the Lions’ draft, which also included former Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs.

“I told you after the draft about the Detroit Lions, all you guys were a lot of the media making fun of their draft,” Herbstreit said on The Pat McAfee Show. “I know you guys love Dan Campbell. There were a lot of people that were thinking that they reached on some of those picks. It’s early in camp but I think those guys are looking pretty good.”

Brian Branch standing out with Lions

Basically, if you ask Branch to play somewhere in the secondary, he can do it.

“Branch can play anywhere,” Herbstreit said. “He can play nickel, you can play him at safety. He even played corner because they had some injuries. That guy could do anything for you. So if you can pick up four guys that, right away, step in and contribute and play and start, it’s a pretty good draft in my opinion. 

“We all know what they can do on offense. Detroit has a chance and Gibbs is going to be one of those Christian McCaffrey type of guys, Alvin Kamara type of guy because of what he can do running the ball and catching the ball.”

The one they call “Herbie” was amped about Gibbs, but the Lions’ success this season could depend upon the defense. That’s where Branch comes in and could be an important cog in the machine.

In three seasons at Alabama, Branch steadily improved and finished his 2022 season with 90 total tackles, 58 solo tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions and seven pass deflections. In his career, Branch had 172 total tackles, 111 solo tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, three interceptions, 23 pass deflections and one fumble recovery.

As a member of the Class of 2020, Branch was a four-star recruit out of Tyrone (Ga.) Sandy Creek, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 11 overall prospect in the state, the No. 4 safety in the class and the No. 70 overall prospect in the class.