Alabama’s most intriguing defensive back in this NFL Draft class is Brian Branch.
Branch, a native Georgian, was the Crimson Tide’s swiss-army knife in the secondary.
He can play boundary cornerback, nickel corner, free safety, and strong safety. As a former four-star, Branch can blitz off the edge to pressure quarterbacks and undercut routes to create turnovers. He came in a shade under 6 feet at the NFL Scouting Combine, standing at 5-11 1/2″ and weighing 190 pounds. Branch came in with a 75 1/4″ wingspan, 30 3/4″ arms, and 9 1/2″ hands. He recorded a 34.5″ vertical at the Combine, but Branch grades as the highest-rated corner heading into the draft.
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Ryan Clark, an LSU alum, played 13 seasons in the National Football League. The former Super Bowl champion is an ESPN analyst who is excited about Branch. He said Branch’s versatility makes him a ‘day one starter’ in the NFL.
One of this year’s most intriguing defensive backs prospects is @AlabamaFTBL’s Brian Branch. He’s a unique combination of quickness, toughness, & feel. He’s is very much in the mold of former Bama great @minkfitz_21 & Seahawk legend @Earl_Thomas. #SecondaryToNone@DB_Precision pic.twitter.com/1Bcs4QqWk4
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) March 3, 2023
Branch turned in a strong junior season, posting 90 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, seven pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, and two interceptions. He has drawn comparisons to Tyrann Mathieu, Troy Polamalu, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Branch to Fitzpatrick, and Branch would love to play with Fitzpatrick.
Clark puts Branch in the mold of Fitzpatrick and Seahawks’ legend, Earl Thomas.
He projects as a first-round pick in April.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
