Brian Branch joins other Alabama juniors, declares for the NFL draft
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama defensive back Brian Branch has officially declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. The junior now becomes the fourth Crimson Tide underclassman to declare, joining quarterback Bryce Young, linebacker Will Anderson Jr. and running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Branch announced that decision via his Instagram after not attending the announcement press conference on Monday morning. We’re not sure as to reason he didn’t attend, but he could’ve had a scheduling conflict, had not decided or just wanted to announce in a different way.
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“After thoughtful conversations with my family and coaches, I’ve decided to forgo my senior year and enter the 2023 NFL Draft,” Branch said in the closing paragraph of his official statement. “This has been a dream of mine since I could remember and I’m ready to embrace this next journey for my life.”
Branch just had arguably his best game in an Alabama uniform on Saturday against Kansas State. Playing the Star position, he finished the Sugar Bowl with 12 tackles (11 solo), 4.0 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. Branch was all over the field making plays.
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The 6-foot, 193-pound defensive back has been doing that all year though.
In 13 games, Branch posted 90 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two interceptions and seven pass breakups. That’s far and away the most tackles for loss we’ve ever seen by an Alabama defensive back during the Nick Saban era. It’s an impressive feat considering some of the others who have come through Tuscaloosa over the last 16 years.
His 14 tackles for loss were also the most in the nation for a defensive back this season.
Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network released his latest mock draft on Monday. As things sit, he’s got Young going to the Seahawks at No. 2, Anderson going to the Bears at No. 3 and Branch going to the Lions at No. 17. Those were the only three Alabama players projected, but Gibbs is expected to be one of the first running backs selected.
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