Brian Branch among Best-Tackling DBs in PFF History
The Detroit Lions were able to select Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft (No. 45 overall).
After a review of Branch's film, it is apparent that Detroit's personnel department was impressed with his reliable tackling, his strong football instincts and his natural ability to change directions at a moment's notice.
In fact, the former Crimson Tide defensive back earned an 89.5 overall PFF defensive grade, an 86.4 coverage grade and an impressive 90.7 run-defense grade.
According to PFF, "They get one of the better values here with Branch. He’s the best nickel prospect in this draft class and one of the best tackling defensive backs since PFF began tracking college football in 2014 (2% missed tackle rate).”
General manager Brad Holmes expressed that Detroit's newest defensive back plays the position in the manner which is expected, especially in Aaron Glenn's defensive scheme.
“He’s been more of a nickel than a safety, but his nickel stuff is really good. He’s one of the better tacklers that I saw on film this year from a defensive standpoint, especially for a DB," said Holmes. "He just plays the game how we play it and like the style of how we want to play. He’s very instinctive. He’s very physical. He’s one of the better tacklers. He’s very athletic. The guy can bend, change directions. He’s got good size.”
Detroit's front office was ecstatic when Branch was still on the board in the second round.
In fact, the decision was made to move up three spots in order to select the talented defensive back.
“He was another one that when he came in on his visit, just kind of looking him in his eye, and you can just feel him. You can just feel that he wants to be great," said Holmes. "That put it over the top for me. I didn’t think that he was going to be there, but we were jacked that he was.”
