Brian Branch

Alabama SAF

Games Watched: Texas, Tennessee, Kansas State

Summary: Brian Branch played all over the field in college and projects best as primarily a box safety or nickel corner in the NFL. He moves well in short spaces, and has phenomenal instincts allowing him to always find the football. He tackles with great technique and is deadly as a blitzer off the edge. His main downside is that he is an average athlete who can’t keep up with receivers downfield. He also has a tendency to grab receiver’s jerseys at the catch point when it’s not necessary.

Pros

  • Good short area quickness
  • Great reaction timing and burst
  • Amazing instincts and feel for where the ball is going
  • Plays the ball well at the catch point
  • Wraps up and tackles with perfect technique
  • Great blitzer
  • Has the versatility to play in a variety of alignments

Cons

  • Doesn’t have the long speed to turn and run with faster receivers
  • Grabs the jersey when he doesn’t need to
  • Average athlete

Grade: Brian Branch gets an early 2nd round grade. He has the tools and intelligence to be a disruptive safety in the NFL, but still has limitations.