Campbell: Brian Branch 'Taking Off' at Lions' Training Camp

Why the rookie has been so solid, and where he can improve, throughout training camp.

Detroit Lions rookie Brian Branch made a loud first impression in his preseason debut. 

Showing off his instincts, the Alabama product sprinted from his position to lay a big hit on New York Giants wide receiver Cole Beasley. 

The loud thump generated a buzz surrounding the rookie, who by all means is having a strong training camp. 

As a result, he's seen increased reps with the starting defense, in what was already a crowded safety room. Just weeks into training camp, Branch has inserted himself into the mix amongst established veterans at his position. 

Additional reading: How Jaguars Will Present Lions Different Challenge

On Wednesday, Dan Campbell spoke about the young defender and where he's still improving, as the team enters joint practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

"More than anything, it's just communicating with his teammates and getting, understanding how they work, where they're at, where he needs to fit," Campbell explained. "He's got the instinctive side of it, he has that. He's got the football side of it. Some of it is just, okay the next progression here is. Understand where Kerby's gonna be, where Alex is at and how that fits to you. Now, don't take away your instincts, the way you play ball, but just understand a little bit on now, the bigger picture, which comes in time. That's growing, he's a rookie. But he is taking off right now." 

Secondary growth

Branch has made the safety position even deeper throughout his strong camp. 

Already reinforced over the offseason with the addition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the Lions now have four solid options among the three positions. 

With the new faces, communication continues to be a point of emphasis throughout the preseason. 

Training camp has offered these players valuable reps to play together, which allows for the development of communication and camaraderie amongst the secondary. 

"I think it's like any other group. I love where the communication is going," Campbell said. "The more we can have all those guys back there. There again, (Gardner-Johnson) is back there working some safety, he'll be doing a little more safety today with Branch playing some nickel. Just to have those guys in those spots communicating is big, and the more you do it the better you get at it. We're still in camp, so it's about getting better at it, but we need every area to grow and grow fast."

Notes

As the Lions begin the first of two joint practice sessions with the Jacksonville Jaguars Wednesday, Campbell revealed what two matchups he's looking forward to most. 

"Defensively, their skill positions are going to be a great test for us," Campbell stated. "This'll be great. The receiver, tight end position in the pass game is gonna be big. And this back, and then just what they do schematically with those weapons. This is really gonna be some great looks for our defense, our back-end, our linebackers. And then our front. Particularly, what I mean by that is our O-line versus their D-line. They have length, they have ability, they have speed on the perimeter in pass rush. So, those two things are what I'm looking most forward to, and they'll be good tests for us."