The Detroit Lions traded up three spots in order to draft versatile defensive back Brian Branch.
Branch was projected by most to be a first-round pick, but his name was not called on Thursday night. Now, he’s going to be a Detroit Lion.
Branch is a unique player in this draft as he is capable of playing free safety and nickel cornerback. Versatility is the name of the game in the NFL, and even more so in Detroit’s secondary.
Branch will likely not hold a starting role in 2023 but will be a key part of the defense starting in his second year. For now, he’ll sit behind veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who is essentially the same kind of player as Branch.
One way that Branch may temporarily hold a starting gig is if safety Tracy Walker is not fully ready to return after his Achilles injury last season. If this is the case, Branch could possibly move to free safety and Kerby Joseph could play opposite of him.
One more reason that Branch will be a valuable pick is that Detroit tends to operate with three safeties on the field. In this case, his skills as a slot defender could be used in the right sub-packages.
Expect Branch to play a smaller role on defense this year as he acclimates to the NFL.
