Lions Trade Up, Draft DB Brian Branch with Pick No. 45

Lions have selected their second NFL Draft prospect of Day 2.

The Detroit Lions have made an effort to improve their roster on both sides of the football during the early rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

In a surprise move, the Lions decided to trade up three places with the Green Bay Packers

With their second (No. 45 overall) of potentially three selections on Day 2 of the 2023 draft, the Lions have selected Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch. 

Branch is a versatile defensive back who has the ability to quickly come in and perform at a high level, plus at multiple positions in Aaron Glenn's defense. 

"I think versatility is a great selling point to the NFL," Branch said of his game at the Scouting Combine. "Let them know wherever they need me, I can play. Just being able to go out there and work on it, I feel like it's going to enhance my game in the long run in the future. I've just got to keep working at every position."

At Alabama last season, he totaled 90 tackles, with 14 for loss. He also recorded three sacks and two interceptions. In his career, he notched 172 tackles, with 19.5 for loss. 

He recorded a 1.7 percent missed-tackle percentage. This was the best mark recorded by a safety since Pro Football Focus began charting the stat in 2014. 

The Lions decided to select tight end Sam LaPorta with their first selection on Friday evening. 

Barring any trades, the Lions still have pick No. 55 remaining on Day 2.

Picks made by Lions in 2023 NFL Draft:

• Round 1, Pick 12 -- Alabama Crimson Tide RB Jahmyr Gibbs
• Round 1, Pick 18 -- Iowa Hawkeyes LB Jack Campbell
• Round 2, Pick 34 -- Iowa Hawkeyes TE Sam LaPorta

Remaining picks

• Round 2, Pick No. 55 (From Minnesota)
• Round 5, Pick. 152
• Round 5, Pick 168 (From Arizona)
• Round 6, Pick 183 (From Denver)
• Round 6, Pick 194

The Lions trade: Pick 48, 159

The Packers trade: Pick 45

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 29, 2023