Lions trade up to select DB Brian Branch in 2nd round

The Detroit Lions selected Alabama defensive back Brian Branch in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 45th overall.

The Alabama product will join a Detroit secondary that features C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Cameron Sutton, and Emmanuel Moseley.

The Lions drafted running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell in the first round on Thursday. Detroit picked tight end Sam LaPorta with the No. 34 overall pick.

Branch was named a second-team All-American after recording 90 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and three sacks in 2022. The Georgia native spent a majority of his collegiate career playing safety for the Crimson Tide.

Pre-draft profile

There is a sizeable gap between Branch and the rest of the safety class. The Alabama defensive back was a versatile chess piece for Nick Saban and should carry that over to the next level. He's spent time in the slot and also knows how to use all of his undersized 190-pound frame in the box. Despite his lesser frame, Branch comes downhill quickly against the run and is a very disciplined run defender as well as a hit-stick tackler. His instincts and processing skills are very sharp - he recognizes and breaks on routes quickly. He may not be suitable as a single-high safety and will have difficulty carrying faster wideouts vertically, but Branch should start from Day 1.