Brian Branch among Best-Tackling DBs in PFF History

Brian Branch could end up being the steal of the 2023 NFL Draft.
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The Detroit Lions were able to select Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft (No. 45 overall).

After a review of Branch's film, it is apparent that Detroit's personnel department was impressed with his reliable tackling, his strong football instincts and his natural ability to change directions at a moment's notice.

In fact, the former Crimson Tide defensive back earned an 89.5 overall PFF defensive grade, an 86.4 coverage grade and an impressive 90.7 run-defense grade. 

According to PFF, "They get one of the better values here with Branch. He’s the best nickel prospect in this draft class and one of the best tackling defensive backs since PFF began tracking college football in 2014 (2% missed tackle rate).”

General manager Brad Holmes expressed that Detroit's newest defensive back plays the position in the manner which is expected, especially in Aaron Glenn's defensive scheme. 

“He’s been more of a nickel than a safety, but his nickel stuff is really good. He’s one of the better tacklers that I saw on film this year from a defensive standpoint, especially for a DB," said Holmes. "He just plays the game how we play it and like the style of how we want to play. He’s very instinctive. He’s very physical. He’s one of the better tacklers. He’s very athletic. The guy can bend, change directions. He’s got good size.”

Detroit's front office was ecstatic when Branch was still on the board in the second round. 

In fact, the decision was made to move up three spots in order to select the talented defensive back. 

“He was another one that when he came in on his visit, just kind of looking him in his eye, and you can just feel him. You can just feel that he wants to be great," said Holmes. "That put it over the top for me. I didn’t think that he was going to be there, but we were jacked that he was.”


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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!