Brian Branch Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Michael Woods/Associated Press)
School: Alabama (Junior)
Position: SAF
HT: 6’0
WT: 193 lbs
Sideline Prospect Ranking: #21
Brian Branch is an athletic freak of nature at the safety position. He was more of a nickel cornerback in Alabama’s defense in his first two seasons with the Crimson Tide, but has made a smooth transition to a more traditional Safety role. Against the run, Branch is able to get to the backfield, whether it be around the edge or bursting through gaps, and help collapse the pocket. He is an effective tackler and does a good job to wrap up the ball carrier. His physicality and violent tackling tendencies against the run allow him to be one of the best in that category in this draft class. His combination of explosiveness and lateral quickness allow for him to be an elite run defender. In the passing game, Branch is able to diagnose offensive sets with ease and drop back into coverage. As a deep zone safety, Branch does a great job forcing receivers to boundaries and turning his head around to make a play on the ball without decelerating. Again, his short-area explosiveness comes into play when diagnosing checkdowns as he is able to accelerate towards the pass catcher in the flat in order to ensure that the damage is limited. Branch has a unique ability to diagnose the QBs reads and jump routes to either make a violent hit or make a play on the ball.
Branch still has areas that need work, and that starts in man coverage. When lined up in man coverage, he plays in the slot, where there is a fair amount of film showing Branch getting beat deep. His lack of confidence in his ability to play man shows as he is much too grabby when shadowing receivers with speed. Guys like Jalin Hyatt made Branch look silly with their speed over the top. Lastly, Branch needs to show an ability to shed blocks when pursuing the ball carrier. One block has been shown to be enough to take Branch out of the play. His physicality can come and go, but it needs to be more of a constant in order for him to be as effective as he has shown he can be.
Brian Branch has all the traits to make him a great defensive back in the NFL. Some have projected him as a cornerback at the next level as well, so he can really float around the defense to do whatever a team needs.
Scheme Fit: Scheme Transcendant
Ideal Role: Nickel
Best Team Fits: ATL, KC, IND
Player Comparison: Talanoa Hufanga
Player Grade: 85.2
