Opinions on the 2023 NFL Draft class for the Detroit Lions were wide-ranging. While many analysts liked the players they selected, as they are all excellent performers, the valuations of where players were selected and things of that nature were not thought of as highly.
Regardless of what people thought at the time, it is hard to argue against the fact that the Lions got some excellent fits for their team. They addressed some needs and it has helped them take that next step, as Detroit is 9-3 on the season.
The Lions have been one of the most consistent performers in the league this season, showing improvements defensively along with an explosive offense. One of the reasons their defense has come along so well is the presence of defensive back, Brian Branch.
NFL News & Rumors: Brian Branch, Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions Updates
Branch, a second-round pick out of Alabama, was a versatile safety with the Crimson Tide throughout his collegiate career. That has continued with the Lions, as he has lined up all over the formation for them.
While a majority of his snaps have come at the slot corner position, Branch has also lined up as an outside corner, free safety, in the box and along the defensive line. He has been on the field for 85 percent of the team’s defensive snaps and is an integral part of the unit.
However, if things had gone as they were supposed to in the 2023 NFL Draft, Branch would not be on the Lions. Instead, he would have landed with the Washington Commanders as a first-round pick.
Branch recently revealed that Washington had told him if he was on the board when they came on the clock at No. 16, he would be their pick. However, they changed their mind at some point, using that selection on cornerback Emmanuel Forbes instead.
NFL News & Rumors: Brian Branch, Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions Updates
That looks to be a potentially huge miss by the Commanders. Branch has been playing excellently for the Lions, while Forbes has struggled at times adjusting to life in the NFL. The production speaks for itself, as Brach has been everything and more Detroit could have hoped for.
In 10 games, Branch has 58 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and four quarterback pressures. He has recorded seven passes defended and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
The Alabama product is currently the No. 27 ranked cornerback, out of 119 qualified players, according to PFF with an overall grade of 71.4. He has been elite as a run defender, earning a run-defense grade of 83.3, which is seventh among cornerbacks.
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