The Detroit Lions made a remarkable steal in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft when they capitalized on the opportunity to trade up for Brian Branch after he fell in the draft.
Branch wasted no time making an impact, as evidenced by his interception returned for a touchdown off Patrick Mahomes in Week 1. Throughout the season, he showcased his skills with impressive statistics, including 74 total tackles (50 solo), three interceptions, seven tackles for loss, and a team-leading 13 pass breakups.
During an interview with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press on Super Bowl week, Branch expressed his aspirations to refine certain aspects of his game in his second season. Specifically, he highlighted the need to improve his coverage technique, avoiding unnecessary use of hands when defending downfield, as well as his blitzing abilities, reflecting on missed opportunities in that area.
Young Star Rising: Brian Branch Receives Well-Deserved Recognition Among NFL’s Premier Cornerbacks!
According to Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Network, a recent compilation of the top-10 cornerbacks in the NFL under the age of 25 featured Brian Branch. Coming out of Alabama, Branch was initially seen as a hybrid safety/cornerback and made an immediate impact after being selected in the second round of the previous year’s draft. His first career interception came in Week 1, where he picked off Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and returned it for a pick-six, contributing to the Lions’ victory.
Branch primarily played in the slot but showcased his versatility by intercepting two more passes during the regular season and displaying his skills as a run defender and nickel blitzer. The article also mentions that Branch, alongside pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, serves as a foundational piece for the ascending Detroit defense.
Branch secured the 10th spot on the list, with Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner of the New York Jets ranking first, followed by Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos and Trent McDuffie of the Kansas City Chiefs. While the top three rankings were widely agreed upon, there were some debates surrounding the placement of players like DaRon Bland and Jaylon Johnson, who were deemed deserving of top-five positions. Additionally, the versatility displayed by Greg Newsome, Riq Woolen, and Deommodre Lenoir influenced their rankings, whereas Branch was primarily a slot corner. However, Branch’s focus on run defense and blitzing was acknowledged as valuable assets for the team.
Ultimately, being acknowledged on such lists is considered a positive achievement. Looking ahead, it is expected that Branch will potentially rank higher if the list were to be revisited in the future, given his continued growth and development in the league.
