Lions Sign DB Brian Branch

Detroit Lions announce signing of rookie DB Brian Branch.

The Detroit Lions signed second-round pick Brian Branch to his rookie contract. The defensive back, out of Alabama, is the last member of Detroit's 2023 draft class to ink his first NFL contract. 

Colby Sorsdal, Antoine Green, Hendon Hooker, Brodric Martin, Jack Campbell and Sam LaPorta have each already inked their rookie deals.

Branch came to be known as one of the best tackling defenders in the 2023 draft class. He missed just two percent of his tackle attempts with the Crimson Tide, which is the best mark recorded by Pro Football Focus since it began charting the statistic. 

According to NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell, Branch "is one of the most complete and multi-dimensional defensive prospects in the 2023 NFL draft with his ability to play multiple positions in the secondary including lining up in the box in different sub defenses and as an overhang defender in the base defense." 

Last season at Alabama, he totaled 90 tackles, with 14 coming for loss. He also recorded three sacks, and intercepted a pass. 

He also exhibited plenty of versatility. Last season, he split snaps as an outside corner, a slot corner and a box safety. The rookie played 569 snaps as a slot corner, 14 on the boundary and 136 as a box safety.

This versatility is similar to what Lions free-agent addition C.J. Gardner-Johnson offers. 

"What consistently stood out with Branch was he played with his eyes extremely well, putting him in good position to react, and he was always under control in his reactions and his movement. Yet, he played fast with twitch and suddenness," Cosell told the team's website. "Branch is scheme versatile as you project and transition him to the next level and whether teams see him as solely a slot corner in sub defense (which he certainly can play) or a safety in both base and sub defense or a safety in base and slot corner in sub will be a function of the DC and the team's philosophy and personnel."