Brian Branch: 'Got to Go Hard Every Day'
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Detroit Lions rookie defensive back Brian Branch had to learn the virtue of patience during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Considered to be a first-round prospect prior to the draft, the Alabama product, who attended the draft in Kansas City, had to wait until Day 2 of the three-day draft to hear his name called.
After not being selected in round one, Branch could’ve easily decided to pack his bags and go home to watch the rest of the draft. It’s what his counterparts Will Levis, Keion White and Joey Porter Jr. decided to do, after they were left sitting in the green room for the entirety of the first round.
But, instead of following in their footsteps, Branch chose to stay in Kansas City, opting to wait it out until his name was called and his NFL dream was realized. And then, it finally happened: the Lions selected the versatile defensive back at No. 45 overall in the second round.
Detroit Lions Brian Branch at rookie minicamp
© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Just like the many players that have come before Branch that have similarly been passed up by teams in the first round (i.e. Lions cornerbacks coach Dre Bly), Branch will be carrying a “chip” on his shoulder as he prepares for the start of his NFL career.
The waiting game that the ex-Crimson Tide defensive back had to play on draft night also taught him a vital lesson: He has to continuously work to earn and keep his job as an NFL player.
“Just knowing that for one, nothing is granted,” Branch told reporters on Day 2 of rookie minicamp practice. “Got to go hard every day. Got to give 100 percent effort every day. And knowing that, I think, is going to help me thrive at this level.”
Another factor that will likely help him in the professional ranks is the fact that he played at Alabama – and subsequently, in a number of big games.
In fact, he suited up for two consecutive College Football Playoff national championship games (to conclude the 2020 and 2021 campaigns; won the first one).
And, during the 2022 season, he played in the Crimson Tide’s Sugar Bowl contest with Kansas State. In the aforementioned bowl game, Branch put together an impressive performance, notching a team-high four tackles for loss (as part of a career-high 12 total tackles). He also recorded one sack and an interception in Alabama’s 45-20 victory over the Wildcats.
It was a dominant end to a college career that saw Branch – in three seasons with the Crimson Tide – produce 172 total tackles, including 19.5 for loss, along with four sacks and four interceptions.
Branch sees his experience at Alabama easing the learning curve he’ll face in his first NFL season.
“Thankfully, ‘Bama prepared me. Got a little advantage (from that),” Branch expressed. “But, just studying the playbook, every day. That’s how you learn it.”
