Brian Branch to have 25 formal meetings with teams in Indianapolis

Brian Branch is beginning his NFL Draft process after three solid seasons at Alabama. Now, based on the latest out of the combine in Indianapolis, it seems he’s going to be a hot commodity.

Branch had plenty to say during his media availability at the combine on Thursday. However, one of the most noteworthy tidbits, per Jeff Zrebiec at The Athletic, is that he’s set to formally speak with 25 teams this week while in Indy.

Branch finished with 172 tackles in his career with the Crimson Tide. He also produced four interceptions, four sacks, and 23 pass deflections while playing defensive back for Nick Saban. All that helped earn him the No. 1 spot when it came to safeties in the On3 College Rating as well as a spot in the Top-25 overall.

Before that, Branch was a four-star prospect out of Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia per the On3 Industry Ranking. He was ranked No. 70 in 2020 and was a Top-5 safety in his class.

That has all led him to this opportunity today with nearly the entire league interested in him as a prospect. However, he could take team interest to another level if he shows out Friday at the combine when defensive backs take the field and test.

Branch says playing alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick would be a ‘dream come true’

Multiple schools out there claim the DBU title and Alabama is certainly one of them. Since Nick Saban took over, countless defensive backs have not only been drafted into the NFL. They have excelled at the next level. Brian Branch is hoping the be the next after three years in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama players love to play with other Alabama players once leaving town as well. Branch has one guy particularly in mind, shouting out Minkah Fitzpatrick. He said playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers safety would be a ‘dream come true’ when speaking at the NFL Combine.

Branch could be considered a safety as well, potentially overlapping with Fitzpatrick. However, he played nickel under defensive coordinator Pete Golding. Position versatility is going to be something working in Branch’s favor during the draft process.

Of course, in order for Branch and Fitzpatrick to play together, Pittsburgh would have the select the former this April. The Steelers currently hold the No. 17 pick in the NFL Draft with a few areas of need to improve.

It’s easy to see why any defensive back, let alone another Alabama guy, would want to play back there with Fitzpatrick.

There is a rich history of playing quality defensive football in Pittsburgh. If they feel like Branch can add to the secondary in a positive way, you would have to believe general manager Omar Khan would consider taking another Alabama product.