All-NFC North Cornerbacks: Brian Branch Earns Respect

Brian Branch takes place among top NFC North defensive backs.

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) has his helmet knocked off while being tackled by Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32). / Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

In Brian Branch, the Detroit Lions believe they have a defensive star in the making.

As a rookie, Branch burst onto the scene playing the nickel position in Aaron Glenn's defense. He tallied three interceptions and seven tackles for loss, which serves as evidence for his ability to do it all within the defense.

For his efforts, Branch was voted as the nickel cornerback representative on the All-NFC North team by team publishers across the division.

Here's a breakdown of how Branch as well as fellow first team selections Jaylon Johnson and Jaire Alexander will impact their respective teams in 2024.

First team cornerback: Jaylon Johnson

For someone who had only one career interception before last season, Johnson has come a long way in a short time. Graded as the best cornerback in football last year by Pro Football Focus, he delivered a four-interception season and wound up in the Pro Bowl games, with second-team All-Pro status, a $76 million contract extension, and quickly became a frequent guest on the national podcast circuit.

There is no doubt Johnson does it with his technique, smarts and quickness, rather than straight-line speed. His numbers picked up once he didn’t need to always be a cornerback glued to the other team’s top receiver, the way he was when he used to chase around former Packers receiver Davante Adams during his first two years. Improvement at other secondary positions let Johnson play the ball more than the man and helped his interception total climb.

Johnson is also a physical cornerback in run support when he wants to be, although his missed tackles climbed last year. His leadership in the secondary was apparent last season and will be even bigger now as the DB with the most scheme seniority after the team cut Eddie Jackson in the offseason. — Gene Chamberlain, Bears on SI.

All-NFC North Team: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends, Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Linebackers

First team cornerback: Jaire Alexander

Alexander remains the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history by average annual salary. Now, he needs to play like that again.

Alexander was an All-Pro in 2020 and again in 2022 but had a miserable 2023. He missed nine games due to injuries and a 10th game when he was suspended for being a self-appointed captain (and almost screwing up the opening coin toss) for a late-season game at Carolina.

When Alexander did play, he either didn’t perform to his usual standard because he was banged up or simply disinterested. After picking off five passes in 2022, he had zero in 2023. Only six corners allowed a passer rating worse than Alexander’s 127.4, according to Pro Football Focus. However, he did rise to the occasion during the playoffs with a big-time interception at Dallas and a total of 37 yards allowed in two games.

Alexander called himself “super-motivated” entering this season. After skipping the voluntary practices last year, he was fully engaged this year as the team transitions to new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

Hafley is going to run a more aggressive defensive system than Joe Barry. Whether that means Alexander will be chasing No. 1 receivers remains to be seen, but the Packers will need Alexander at his playmaking best to make a run at a championship. — Bill Huber, Packers On SI.

First team nickel: Brian Branch

The tone for Branch’s rookie season was set in the opener, when he turned the tide of a matchup with the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs with a pick-six. It was the first of several examples showing why the Lions coveted the defensive playmaker in the Draft out of Alabama. 

Branch has the ability to play all over the secondary and was primarily the team’s nickel cornerback last year. In that role, he notched three interceptions and seven tackles for loss. His instincts and awareness are off the charts, which allows the Lions some creativity in how they use him. 

It’s uncertain exactly what Branch’s role will be, as he missed the spring while recovering from an offseason procedure. Dan Campbell hinted that he may be positioned for more time at safety as part of the Lions’ reshuffled secondary. Regardless of where he lines up, there’s no question that the talented defender is a blossoming star in the making. — John Maakaron, Lions On SI.