Commanders 'Should' Draft Alabama DB Brian Branch

A new flavor of mock NFL Draft recommends the Washington Commanders take Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch with the No. 16 pick.

Mock NFL Draft season is well underway with just about everyone projecting possibilities for the Washington Commanders' first pick, and sometimes even further. 

Typically these predictions come in one of two forms with people orchestrating classes based on what they think the Commanders will do, or what they would do if they were running the team. 

But a new kind of mock draft has come out courtesy of NFL.com, and in this one, we're finding out what Washington should do with its first pick of selection weekend.

Which is draft Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch.

"This might seem like a reach to some, but hear me out," writes NFL.com. "You signed Cameron Dantzler with the hope that he can return to the promising form he showed early on in Minnesota. Even if that ends up being the case...You can't have enough capable cover men. Branch is the kind of guy who can play slot corner, like he did at Alabama, and provide an instant impact."

The mock draft continues to predict Commanders fans won't be too happy with the pick, but really, there will be a contingency of them who will love it. 

Branch is widely considered to be the best safety in the class and with veteran Bobby McCain released earlier this offseason there is a theoretical roster spot that needs to be filled. 

Additionally, today's NFL is all about versatility, and teams look for that as much in the individual player as they do in their own positional capabilities. 

Branch provides both with the tools necessary to play in the slot as this mock projects, but can also provide coverage as a deep safety if and when the situation arises where his skills can help defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio capitalize on an opponent's tendencies.

Combined with players like safeties Kamren Curl, Darrick Forrest, and Percy Butler along with cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste, there really isn't a matchup the Commanders wouldn't have the talent to cover. 

And that makes this pick a solid one if Washington decides to go that way in the NFL Draft.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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