Commanders told Lions rookie Brian Branch they'd draft him in first round: 'Everything happens for a reason'

Brian Branch is having a phenomenal rookie season with the Detroit Lions, and the Washington Commanders may have fueled his fire.

The rookie defensive back has been a game-changer for the Lions defense. Branch has accumulated 40 solo tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defensed over his rookie season. He’s stepped right in and looked like a savvy veteran at times.

With how bad the Commanders secondary has been in 2023, it sounds like they could’ve used a player like Branch. Evidently, they almost had him, but they told him some tall tales and went in a different direction, which didn’t sit well with the former Alabama Crimson Tide defender.

“The team I for sure thought that was going to get me was the Commanders at No. 16,” Branch said in an NFL Network social media discussion, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “I felt like, you know, they told me that if I’m still available at 16, they were going to get me. But I guess you can never take their word, somebody’s word.

“You got to let it play out. But everything happens for a reason. So I’m glad I’m with Detroit.”

While Forbes has flashed some potential in his own right, amassing 25 solo tackles and one interception, the Commanders might’ve expected more out of their first-round pick. He’s actually been benched at times, as well.

It’s tough for a cornerback to adjust to the rigors of the NFL sometimes, and Forbes could always develop into a great defensive back, but Branch is already showing flashes of it. That has to sting for the Commanders.

Regardless, the Lions are elated that Washington decided to make the move they did. Branch has helped them have their best season in a long, long time.

Detroit currently sits atop the NFC North, possessing a two-game lead over the Minnesota Vikings, with a record of 9-4. The Lions have slipped up a bit recently, losing two of their last three games, but they’ll have ample opportunities to clinch the division with some wins moving forward.

Meanwhile, the Commanders are bringing up the basement in the NFC East. Would Branch have made all the difference? Certainly not, but it wouldn’t hurt to have had some of his game-changing interceptions.

We’ll see if Brian Branch and the Detroit Lions can hold on to their division lead, but it looks like the start of a long, fruitful partnership, while the Washington Commanders watch with envy at what could’ve been.