ESPN draft expert reveals NFL comparison for Brian Branch

ESPN NFL Draft expert Matt Miller broke down Alabama safety Brian Branch and gave him an NFL comparison ahead of the draft. Branch came to Alabama in the Class of 2020 as a four-star recruit. He played three seasons, making 172 tackles and defending 23 passes.

“Branch was the do-it-all Swiss Army knife for Nick Saban’s defense, and he should have an easy transition to the NFL as the league moves toward more versatile safeties,” Miller wrote.

“At 6-0 and 193 pounds, Branch has the size to make an impact in the run game from the box but also the burst and change-of-direction skills to lock up receivers and tight ends from the slot. Scouts rave about his instincts and ability to step into the pros right away, which showed on tape with seven pass breakups and only 19 completions allowed in 2022. It’s easy to see him being the next Tyrann Mathieu-like defender to make a splash in an NFL secondary.”

Miller also directly compared Branch to Jalen Pitre, who was taken in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. He made the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2022.

Branch is one of 13 Alabama players invited to the NFL Combine.

Nick Saban on how Brian Branch grew

Branch developed well during his time at Alabama. This is something that Nick Saban praised him for his ability to do.

“Brian Branch has played well for us all season long. He made some big plays today. The interception was big. We got off to a great start in the second half with a big play and two scores in the first two minutes in the second half, which kind of broke the game open. His interception was a big part of that,” Saban said.

“But he’s been a very consistent performer for us all year. He plays the star position, but he could play safety as well. He couldn’t finish the game today. He cramped up and we tried to give him an IV. But great competitor. Really good teammate. A guy that always plays hard and gives his best at all times.”