Brian Branch
{{Short description|American football player (born 2001)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Brian Branch
| image = Brian Branch NFL Combine (cropped).png
| alt =
| caption = Branch in 2023
| current_team = Detroit Lions
| number = 32
| position = Safety
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2001|10|22}}
| birth_place = Fayetteville, Georgia, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 0
| weight_lb = 203
| high_school = Sandy Creek (Tyrone, Georgia)
| college = Alabama (2020–2022)
| draftyear = 2023
| draftround = 2
| draftpick = 45
| pastteams =
- Detroit Lions ({{NFL Year|2023}}–present)
| status = Active
| highlights =
- Pro Bowl (2024)
- CFP national champion (2020)
- First-team All-American (2022)
- Second-team All-SEC (2022)
| statweek =
| statseason = 2024
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 183
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 2.0
| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue3 = 2
| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4 =
| statlabel5 = Pass deflections
| statvalue5 = 29
| statlabel6 = Interceptions
| statvalue6 = 7
| statlabel7 = Defensive touchdowns
| statvalue7 = 1
| pfr = BranBr00
}}
Brian Amani Branch (born October 22, 2001) is an American professional football safety for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he was an All-American and a national champion. Branch was selected by the Lions in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. In 2024, he earned his first Pro Bowl.
Early life
Branch grew up in Fayetteville, Georgia, and attended Sandy Creek High School.{{Cite web |date=May 10, 2023 |title=Sandy Creek alum Brian Branch picked in NFL draft |url=https://thecitizen.com/2023/05/10/sandy-creek-alum-brian-branch-picked-in-nfl-draft/ |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=The Citizen |language=en-US}} He was named the Georgia 5A Ironman of the Year as a senior.{{Cite web |last=Ezring |first=Cory McCann |date=June 30, 2022 |title=Prospect Breakdown: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/prospect-breakdown-brian-branch-db-alabama |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=SI.com}} Branch was rated a four-star recruit and committed to play college football at Alabama over offers from Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.{{Cite web |last=Rodak |first=Mike |date=December 18, 2019 |title=Alabama signs four-star Georgia safety Brian Branch |url=https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2019/12/alabama-signs-four-star-georgia-safety-brian-branch.html |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=AL.com}}
College career
Branch played in 12 games during his freshman season at Alabama and made 27 tackles with seven passes defended and two interceptions.{{Cite web |last=Potter |first=Charlie |date=September 7, 2021 |title=Brian Branch seeing benefits of practicing at every DB position |url=https://247sports.com/college/alabama/Article/Alabama-Football-Brian-Branch-seeing-benefits-of-practicing-at-every-DB-position-170446064/ |access-date=July 22, 2022 |website=247Sports.com}} As a sophomore he made 55 tackles with five tackles for loss, one sack, and nine passes defended.{{Cite web |last=Blackwood |first=Stacey |date=July 2, 2022 |title=Alabama's Brian Branch might be the most underrated DB in college football |url=https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/2022/07/02/alabama-football-brian-branch-might-be-the-most-slept-on-db-in-college-football/ |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=Roll Tide Wire |publisher=USA Today}} Branch led the Crimson Tide with eight tackles and broke up two passes in Alabama's 27–6 win over Cincinnati in the 2021 Cotton Bowl Classic.{{Cite web |last=Casagrande |first=Michael |date=January 5, 2022 |title=Explaining the Brian Branch/Malachi Moore dynamic in Alabama secondary |url=https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2022/01/explaining-the-brian-branchmalachi-moore-dynamic-in-alabama-secondary.html |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=AL.com}} Branch entered his junior season as one of the top safety prospects for the 2023 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Brugler |first=Dane |date=August 18, 2022 |title=2023 NFL Draft safety class: Antonio Johnson, Brian Branch win with versatility |url=https://theathletic.com/3517666/2022/08/18/2023-nfl-draft-safety-rankings/ |access-date=August 18, 2022 |website=The Athletic}}
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
{{external media
| video1 = [https://www.patriots.com/video/2023-draft-prospects-brian-branch-s-alabama 2023 draft prospects: Brian Branch]
| video2 = [https://www.detroitlions.com/video/brian-branch-highlights Brian Branch's College Highlights]
}}
Pro Football Focus had him listed as the top safety prospect (15th overall) on their big board.{{cite web| title=2023 NFL draft position rankings: safety| url=https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-position-rankings-safety| access-date=April 17, 2025| website=PFF.com| date=April 24, 2023}} He was unanimously regarded as the No. 1 safety prospect in the draft by NFL draft analysts Bucky Brooks of NFL.com, Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN, and Dane Brugler of the Athletic. NFL media analyst Daniel Jeremiah had Branch ranked as the sixth best cornerback prospect (31st overall) in the draft.{{cite web| title=Daniel Jeremiah's top 150 prospects in the 2023 NFL draft class | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-s-top-150-prospects-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-class| access-date=April 17, 2025| website=NFL.com| author=Daniel Jeremiah| date=April 27, 2023}}
{{external media
| video1 = [https://www.giants.com/video/brian-branch-runs-official-4-58-40-yard-dash-at-2023-combine Brian Branch runs 4.58s 40-yard dash]
| video2 = [https://www.steelers.com/video/combine-highlights-branch-cb-alabama 2023 combine highlights: Brian Branch]
}}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 11 5/8
| weight = 190
| dash = 4.58
| ten split = 1.56
| twenty split = 2.64
| shuttle = 4.45
| vertical = 37.5
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 5
| bench = 14
| arm span = 30 3/4
| hand span = 9 1/2
| note = Sources:{{Cite web |title=Brian Branch draft and combine prospect profile|url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/brian-branch/32004252-4149-1198-dc01-dafbfa415bff |access-date=April 10, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=Brian Branch, FS, Alabama |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1039473&DraftYear=2023 |access-date=April 10, 2023 |website=DraftScout.com}}
}}
=2023=
The Detroit Lions selected Branch in the second round (45th overall) of the 2023 NFL draft. The Lions executed a trade with the Green Bay Packers in order to secure their ability to select Branch and agreed to send them a 2023 second-round pick (48th overall) and a fifth-round pick (159th overall) in return for their second-round pick (45th overall) used to immediately select Branch.{{Cite web |last=Twentyman |first=Tim |date=April 28, 2023 |title=Lions trade up, draft defensive back Brian Branch |url=https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-trade-up-draft-defensive-back-brian-branch |access-date=June 21, 2023 |website=DetroitLions.com}} Although he was selected 45th overall, Branch would be the first safety drafted in 2023.
{{external media
| video1 = [https://www.detroitlions.com/video/lions-select-brian-branch-with-no-45-pick-in-2023-draft Detroit Lions select Brian Branch No. 45]
| video2 =
[https://www.detroitlions.com/video/brian-branch-reacts-to-being-picked-by-lions-on-day-2-of-2023-nfl-draft Brian Branch reacts to being picked]
| video3 = [https://www.detroitlions.com/video/branch-on-being-drafted-no-45-by-detroit Branch on being drafted No. 45 by Detroit]
}}
On July 18, 2023, the Detroit Lions signed Branch to a four–year, $8.02 million contract that includes $5.62 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $2.83 million.{{cite web| title=Spotrac.com: Brian Branch contract| url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/82337/brian-branch|access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Spotrac.com}}
During training camp, Branch competed against C. J. Gardner-Johnson, Will Harris, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Brady Breeze for the role as the primary backup safety and starting nickelback.{{cite web| title=Breaking down the initial Lions preseason depth chart| url=https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/08/09/lions-preseason-depth-chart-analysis/ |access-date=January 24, 2025| website=lionswire.usatoday.com| date=August 9, 2023 |author=Jeff Risdon}}{{cite web| title=2023 Detroit Lions updated Detroit Lions 2023 training camp battles: Safety roster spots may be limited|url=https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/7/20/23797589/detroit-lions-2023-training-camp-battles-limited-roster-spots-safeties |access-date=January 24, 2025| website=prideofdetroit.com| date=July 20, 2023| author=Erik Schlitt}} Head coach Dan Campbell named Branch the starting nickelback to begin the regular season and listed him as a backup free safety, behind starting duo C. J. Gardner-Johnson and Kerby Joseph.{{cite web| title=2023 Detroit Lions updated depth chart: Week 1 at Kansas City Chiefs| url=https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/9/7/23858855/2023-detroit-lions-updated-depth-chart-week-1-at-kansas-city-chiefs |access-date=January 24, 2025| website=prideofdetroit.com| date=September 7, 2023}}
On September 7, 2023, Branch made his professional regular season debut and made three combined tackles (two solo), a pass deflection, and returned his first career interception from a pass attempt thrown by Patrick Mahomes to wide receiver Kadarius Toney for a 50–yard touchdown during a 21–20 win at the Kansas City Chiefs.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=September 7, 2023 |title=Lions knot the game 14–14 |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/lions-knot-the-game-at-14-14-on-brian-branchs-50-yard-pick-six#:~:text=Charean%20Williams |access-date=September 8, 2023 |website=NBC Sports}}{{Cite magazine |last=Maakaron |first=John |date=September 7, 2023 |title=Brand new Lions defeat Chiefs, 21–20 |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/takeaways-from-lions-victory-against-chiefs |access-date=September 9, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}} Branch became the first Lions player to record an interception return for a touchdown in his NFL debut since Lem Barney did so in 1967.{{Cite web |last=Ramsey |first=Jared |date=September 7, 2023 |title=Detroit Lions rookie Brian Branch introduces himself to the NFL in style with pick-six |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/09/07/detroit-lions-brian-branch-interception-touchdown-patrick-mahomes-nfl-debut/70791619007/ |access-date=September 9, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}} On September 19, 2023, starting free safety C. J. Gardner-Johnson was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn pectoral in Week 2. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn subsequently promoted Branch to starting free safety heading into Week 3.{{Cite web |last=Woodyard |first=Eric |date=September 19, 2023 |title=Lions place C.J. Gardner-Johnson, James Houston on IR |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38441100/lions-place-cj-gardner-johnson-james-houston-ir |access-date=November 5, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} On September 24, 2023, Branch earned his first career start and collected a season-high 11 solo tackles and made two pass deflections during a 20–9 victory against the Atlanta Falcons. In Week 4, he made seven combined tackles (five solo) before he was carted off the field due to an ankle injury as the Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers 34–20. His ankle injury subsequently sidelined him for the next two games (Weeks 5–6).{{Cite web |title=Lions coach Dan Campbell optimistic about Brian Branch's ankle injury|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/09/29/detroit-lions-optimistic-about-brian-branchs-ankle-injury/71006442007/ |access-date=January 24, 2025|website=DetroitNews.com| author=Nolan Bianchi| date=September 29, 2023 |language=en}} On December 24, 2023, Branch recorded six combined tackles (five solo), two pass deflections, one interception, and had his first career sack on Nick Mullens during a 30–24 victory at the Minnesota Vikings.{{cite web| title=Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – December 24th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202312240min.htm |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Branch started seven consecutive games at free safety (Weeks 8–15) before Ifeatu Melifonwu surpassed him on the depth chart and started the last three games. He finished his rookie campaign in 2023 with a total of 74 combined tackles (50 solo), three interceptions, 13 passes defended, one forced fumble, and a single sack in 15 games and nine starts.{{Cite web |title=Brian Branch 2023 game log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BranBr00/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=April 20, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He received an overall grade of 78.9 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 15th amongst all cornerbacks.{{cite web| title=Highest-graded cornerbacks from the 2023 NFL season: Bears' Jaylon Johnson puts together career year| url=https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-highest-graded-cornerbacks-2023-nfl-season| access-date=February 8, 2025| website=pff.com| author=Josh Kosko| date=March 1, 2024}}
=2024=
He entered training camp slated as the starting nickelback and the primary backup safety behind projected starters Ifeatu Melifonwu and Kerby Joseph.{{cite web| title=2023 Detroit Lions updated depth chart: Week 1 at Kansas City Chiefs| url=https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/7/18/24200382/detroit-lions-2024-training-camp-preview-safety-brian-branch-domino-effect |access-date=January 24, 2025| website=prideofdetroit.com| date=September 7, 2024}} Head coach Dan Campbell named Branch the starting free safety to start the regular season, alongside Kerby Joseph, after Ifeatu Melifonwu was placed on injured reserve after he sustained an ankle injury in training camp.
He started in the Detroit Lions' home-opener against the Los Angeles Rams and made seven combined tackles (five solo) and a season-high three pass deflections during a 26–20 overtime victory. Branch was sidelined during the Lions' Week 4 win against the Seattle Seahawks due to a knee injury.{{cite web| title=Lions injury update: Carlton Davis, Brian Branch among the wounded| url=https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/10/16/lions-injury-update-carlton-davis-brian-branch-among-the-wounded/ |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=lionswire.usatoday.com |date=October 16, 2024}} On December 13, 2024, Branch recorded six combined tackles (five solo), two pass deflections, and intercepted two passes thrown by Dak Prescott during a 47–9 victory at the Dallas Cowboys. His performance in Week 8 earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week.{{cite web|title=Ravens RB Derrick Henry, Buccaneers RB Sean Tucker highlight players of the week|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-week-2024-week-6-derrick-henry-sean-tucker|author=Gordon, Grant|website=NFL.com|date=October 16, 2024}} In Week 15, he collected a season-high 14 combined tackles (eight solo) and deflected a pass in the Lions' 42–48 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished his sophomore season in 2024 with 109 combined tackles (79 solo), 16 pass deflections, four interceptions, and a sack in 16 games and 16 starts.{{cite web| title=Brian Branch stats (2024)| url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BranBr00.htm| access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Branch was the only defensive player on the Detroit Lions to be voted to the 2025 Pro Bowl.
The Detroit Lions finished the 2024 NFL season first in the NFC North with a 15–2 record and clinched a playoff berth and a first round bye. On January 18, 2025, Branch started in his first postseason appearance and lead his team with 11 combined tackles (eight solo) and had a forced fumble as the Lions lost the Divisional Round 45–31 to the Washington Commanders.{{cite web| title=Divisional round – Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions – January 18th, 2025| url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202501180det.htm| access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Twitter|BrianBB_1}}
{{footballstats|yahoo=40067|espn=4692025|pfr=B/BranBr00}}
- [https://www.detroitlions.com/team/players-roster/brian-branch/ Detroit Lions bio]
- [https://rolltide.com/sports/football/roster/brian-branch/8058 Alabama Crimson Tide bio]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Branch, Brian}}
Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football players
Category:Players of American football from Fayetteville, Georgia
Category:American football safeties
Category:American football cornerbacks