Lions take Alabama DB Brian Branch at No. 45 overall in Round 2
Former Alabama defensive back Brian Branch has a new city and team to call home. On Friday night during the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he was drafted No. 45 overall by the Lions, which means he’s heading to Detroit to join former teammates Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs.
With this pick, Alabama has now seen four of its players taken during the draft. Quarterback Bryce Young went to Houston on Thursday night with the top overall pick. Edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. went two picks later to the Texans at No. 3. Then, running back Jahymr Gibbs was a surprise selection by the Lions at No. 12.
Branch’s top calling card is his versatility and the balance he brings to the back half of the defense. His ability to play over the slot as a nickel corner — similar to the role we saw him in with Alabama’s Star defensive back — makes him an intriguing add for Detroit. It’s also possible that he could take a similar route as Minkah Fitzpatrick with a full-time move to safety.
Really, you want to use Branch in a way that highlights his entire skill set. He’s effective in both man and zone coverage, but he’s at his best when he’s allowed to attack offenses in a variety of ways. He’s a sure, reliable tackler, and he’s also a phenomenal blitzer who can create havoc in opposing backfields.
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In his three seasons at Alabama, Branch totaled 172 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and three interceptions. His 14.0 tackles for loss in 2022 were the most from a Crimson Tide defensive back during the Nick Saban era. The second most was Javier Arenas back in 2009.
Coming out of Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone (Ga.) back in 2020, Branch was rated as a four-star recruit. He also checked in as the No. 70 player nationally, No. 4 safety and No. 11 player from the state of Georgia, according to the 2020 On3 Industry Rankings.
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