Dan Campbell is thanking every team that passed on Brian Branch in the first round of the NFL Draft.
The head coach of the Detroit Lions did not take Branch in the first round himself, but he grabbed the former University of Alabama defensive back at No. 45 overall. As a second-round pick, Branch continues to look incredible in Lions’ training camp.
RELATED: Brian Branch shows he’s a second-round steal in Lions’ minicamp
He is consistently recording pass breakups and showing the range in coverage that made him elite at Alabama.
.@BrianBB_1 at it again pic.twitter.com/repHT9k7nM
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 16, 2023
Branch makes it difficult for wide receivers to separate from him.
His technique to stay in phase, play the football, and trust his instincts have him battling for a potential starting role in Detroit’s secondary. The native Georgian finished with a team-high two interceptions and seven pass breakups for the Crimson Tide in 2022. He was an effective tackler, posting 90 total stops — including 14 for loss and three sacks. Branch was constantly the most impressive defensive player for Alabama, opposite Will Anderson Jr. He assisted the Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship as a freshman in 2020 and two Southeastern Conference titles in 2020 and 2021.
RELATED: WATCH: Brian Branch delivers big hit in first NFL preseason game
We will see how Branch handles some of the best receivers in the league as a rookie.
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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.
