Post by D6 on Apr 29, 2023 23:02:50 GMT -5
Breaking down the Lions draft trade to select Brian Branch
Projecting how Brian Branch fits into the Detroit Lions secondary
Detroit Lions trade up for Alabama DB Brian Branch in Round 2 of NFL draft 2023
...........
This new thread is a continuation of the following thread:
Lions host S Brian Branch (Alabama): Pre-Draft Visit
detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1779/lions-brian-branch-alabama-draft
This new thread relates to the following threads and the thread links in that discussion:
Round 2 & Round 3 options for the Lions ( 2023)
detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1776/round-2-options-lions-2023
Round 2a: TE Sam LaPorta (Iowa) : Pick # 34 ( 2023 )
detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1780/round-laporta-iowa-pick-2023
More often than not, I prefer the Lions not to make draft trades with any NFC North opponent. I'm thrilled though that the Lions traded up with the Packers, giving up Pick # 159 in Round 5 (pick acquired from the Falcons for CB Jeff Okudah), to move up from Pick # 48 to Pick # 45 in Round 2. Especially, with the Patriots having Pick # 46, the Lions couldn't risk losing the opportunity to draft Brian Branch. Bill Belichick has a long history with Alabama HC Nick Saban, including Saban being hired by Belichick as Defensive Coordinator of the Browns, when Belichick was the team's HC in the early 1990s. Earlier this off-season, Belichick brought back Bill O'Brien to New England, this time to be the Patriots Offensive Coordinator. O'Brien was the Alabama Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach the last two years. The Patriots have a long history of drafting Alabama players.
Like most others who follow the NFL Draft, I thought Brian Branch would be drafted in Round 1. I definitely didn't expect Branch to be available with Pick # 45. I projected him being drafted by Tampa Bay with Pick # 19. I was disappointed the Lions didn't draft Branch with Pick # 34. Even with Pick # 18, Branch was worth seriously considering by the Lions.
Brian Branch is an excellent tackler. He's a versatile play maker. Branch has plenty of experience on the college level of playing Slot CB, Box Safety, and Two Deep Safety. As Well as Special Teams versatility.
My only two significant concerns regarding Branch as an NFL player with the Lions is because he's very physical for his size, Branch could have plenty of injury issues. Branch played through injuries with Alabama. But the size and speed of the NFL is on another level. Also, Branch had 5 Penalties called on him in his final season with Alabama, all Pass Interference Penalties. Branch's physicality sometimes gets him into trouble.
Branch is a FAR better player than his Combine numbers suggest. This can't be stressed enough. Great draft decision by Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell with the trade up and selection of Brian Branch!
Projecting how Brian Branch fits into the Detroit Lions secondary
Detroit Lions trade up for Alabama DB Brian Branch in Round 2 of NFL draft 2023
...........
This new thread is a continuation of the following thread:
Lions host S Brian Branch (Alabama): Pre-Draft Visit
detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1779/lions-brian-branch-alabama-draft
This new thread relates to the following threads and the thread links in that discussion:
Round 2 & Round 3 options for the Lions ( 2023)
detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1776/round-2-options-lions-2023
Round 2a: TE Sam LaPorta (Iowa) : Pick # 34 ( 2023 )
detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1780/round-laporta-iowa-pick-2023
More often than not, I prefer the Lions not to make draft trades with any NFC North opponent. I'm thrilled though that the Lions traded up with the Packers, giving up Pick # 159 in Round 5 (pick acquired from the Falcons for CB Jeff Okudah), to move up from Pick # 48 to Pick # 45 in Round 2. Especially, with the Patriots having Pick # 46, the Lions couldn't risk losing the opportunity to draft Brian Branch. Bill Belichick has a long history with Alabama HC Nick Saban, including Saban being hired by Belichick as Defensive Coordinator of the Browns, when Belichick was the team's HC in the early 1990s. Earlier this off-season, Belichick brought back Bill O'Brien to New England, this time to be the Patriots Offensive Coordinator. O'Brien was the Alabama Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach the last two years. The Patriots have a long history of drafting Alabama players.
Like most others who follow the NFL Draft, I thought Brian Branch would be drafted in Round 1. I definitely didn't expect Branch to be available with Pick # 45. I projected him being drafted by Tampa Bay with Pick # 19. I was disappointed the Lions didn't draft Branch with Pick # 34. Even with Pick # 18, Branch was worth seriously considering by the Lions.
Brian Branch is an excellent tackler. He's a versatile play maker. Branch has plenty of experience on the college level of playing Slot CB, Box Safety, and Two Deep Safety. As Well as Special Teams versatility.
My only two significant concerns regarding Branch as an NFL player with the Lions is because he's very physical for his size, Branch could have plenty of injury issues. Branch played through injuries with Alabama. But the size and speed of the NFL is on another level. Also, Branch had 5 Penalties called on him in his final season with Alabama, all Pass Interference Penalties. Branch's physicality sometimes gets him into trouble.
Branch is a FAR better player than his Combine numbers suggest. This can't be stressed enough. Great draft decision by Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell with the trade up and selection of Brian Branch!