Brian Branch
22-Year-Old
2023 Defense Stats
TCKL
74
SACKS
1.0
INT
3
FF
1
TD
1
2024 Projections
2023 Fantasy Outlook
Branch was regarded as one of the better safety prospects in the 2023 draft class, despite falling to the second round. However, with nickel back C.J. Gardner-Johnson joining Tracy Walker atop the depth chart and 2022 second-round pick in Kerby Joseph coming off a promising rookie season, Branch seems headed for nothing more than a rotational role in Year 1 with the Lions. Read Past Outlooks
Impressive rookie season
Branch registered 74 tackles including 1.0 sacks, 13 passes defended including three interceptions, one defensive touchdown and one forced fumble over 15 games in 2023.
ANALYSIS
Impressing at both safety and nickel cornerback as a rookie, Branch ultimately settled in at the latter position despite the Lions spending $6.5 million to bring in C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was moved to safety instead. Branch ultimately finished the year tied for 12th among cornerbacks in both passes defended and INTs. While it remains possible that the Alabama product could see added responsibilities at safety again in the future, he at least seems to be locked into a key role in the secondary entering 2024.
Impressing at both safety and nickel cornerback as a rookie, Branch ultimately settled in at the latter position despite the Lions spending $6.5 million to bring in C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was moved to safety instead. Branch ultimately finished the year tied for 12th among cornerbacks in both passes defended and INTs. While it remains possible that the Alabama product could see added responsibilities at safety again in the future, he at least seems to be locked into a key role in the secondary entering 2024.
NFL Stats
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2023
2023 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
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Snap %
2023 Brian Branch Split Stats
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Measurables Review
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How do Brian Branch's measurables compare to other cornerbacks?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 0"Weight
203 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.58 secVertical Jump
34.5 inBench Press
14 repsHand Length
9.50 inArm Length
30.75 in
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More Fantasy News
Returns to game
Branch (wrist) has returned to Sunday's game against the Vikings, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
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Departs Week 18 with wrist injury
Branch (wrist) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Vikings, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.
ANALYSIS
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Has huge game at Minnesota
Branch recorded six tackles (five solo) including a sack and a forced fumble, and an interception in Sunday's 30-24 win at Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
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Focusing on nickel cornerback
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said that Branch will focus on nickel cornerback, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports. "...I wanted to make sure that I dial it back for (Branch), let him focus on nickel, let him play nickel, and I thought it was a really good game for him. As far as the stats because he didn't get a chance to be high productive like he's been, but I thought he did a really good job in just playing nickel," Glenn said.
ANALYSIS
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Nabs another pick in win
Branch logged seven total tackles (three solo), one pass deflection and one interception in Sunday's 33-28 win over the Saints.
ANALYSIS
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