Detroit Lions trade up, select Brian Branch with No. 45 pick in 2023 NFL Draft
The Detroit Lions traded up and selected former Alabama cornerback Brian Branch with the No. 45 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday night. Detroit acquired the pick from the Green Bay Packers.
Branch started every game for Alabama in 2022 and posted impressive numbers. He racked up 90 tackles, 14.0 tackles for a loss, 3.0 sacks, two interceptions and nine pass breakups. For his performance, the 21-year-old defender earned first-team All American honors.
In 2020 and 2021, the 6-foot-0, 193-pound DB had 82 tackles, a sack and two interceptions.
ESPN’s best-available rankings heading into the draft had Branch as the No. 1 safety in the 2023 class.
Coming out of Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia, Branch was a four-star prospect. He signed with Alabama as the No. 77 recruit in the nation and No. 4 safety in the class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
What the NFL draft analysts are saying about Brian Branch
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein provided some analysis on Branch’s game in his recent scout of the linebacker’s draft profile. His player comparison for the Alabama star is Minkah Fitzpatrick.
“Plug-and-play defensive back with every ingredient necessary to become a high-performing starter early in his career,” Zeirlein wrote. “Branch has primarily handled nickel coverage at Alabama but has the range and instincts for single-high or split safety looks.
“He’s quick, fast and strong with the ability to match up with shifty slots, bigger possession receivers and pass-catching tight ends. He’s urgent and has a mind for the game. He takes playmaking angles into the throwing lane but does have a tendency to play it a little safe from off-man coverage. There are areas where he can improve but no real weaknesses, which could make him one of the safest picks in the draft.”
More on the 2023 NFL Draft
The 2023 NFL Draft, which began Thursday, April 27, continues through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event location this year is the plaza just outside of Union Station.
Round 1 of the NFL Draft began at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft broadcast runs throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.