Brian Branch 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• 55 tackles (2021) 
• Team high 9 PBUs in 2021

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Scheme-versatile 
• 2022 projected role: Starting strong safety / nickel safety 

Pros: Brian Branch is a versatile defensive back that can play the slot and also play as a nickel linebacker in subpackage situations. Branch appears to be an instinctive and fearless player, which allows him to roam around the box even though he is undersized as a box player. Branch has good acceleration. Once he triggers, he can close to ball carriers quickly and deliver an effective tackle. Branch also appears to be a high-motor player, and even if the play design is away from him, he is still capable of making the play. Branch’s physical temperament is much appreciated for his size and is a valuable piece of the Crimson Tide defense. 

Cons: While Brian Branch shows to be a good ox defender, he leaves more to be desired in pass coverage. On most snaps, Branch is aligned where he has to cover receivers with two-way gos and he just instinctively or technically seems to be a step slow in reacting. There were multiple instances where Branch had receivers approach him and they were able to cross his face and make a big-time play. Branch appears to be athletic enough and has short-area quickness, so it appears that he just needs to trigger quicker. Branch may benefit from playing the FS position on clear passing downs where he has more time to read the plays, develop, and react.

Brian Branch NFL Draft Scouting Report by Keith Sanchez