Alabama Football: Brian Branch pursuing NFL Draft

Alabama football lost a fourth draft-eligible junior to the NFL Draft on Monday afternoon when defensive back Brian Branch announced his intention to turn pro.

Branch’s announcement came on the heels of similar announcements from quarterback Bryce Young, linebacker Will Anderson Jr., and running back Jahmyr Gibbs.

Brian Branch was one of the best and most consistent members of the Alabama defense over the past two seasons. Branch was a 4-star recruit and the third-best safety in the class of 2020.

He mostly played the Star position at Alabama, guarding slot receivers and tight ends while also providing run support. He proved to be extremely versatile, and was capable of playing every position in the secondary in a pinch.

Alabama Football: Branch’s impressive progression

As a freshman on Alabama’s 2020 national championship team, Brian Branch played behind classmate Malachi Moore for the most part. He finished the year with 27 tackles, seven pass breakups, and an interception.

As a sophomore, Branch seized the starting role in the nickel. He did not miss a tackle all season, recording 55 stops, 5.0 tackles for loss, a sack, and nine PBUs.

The physical defensive back got even better as a junior. He finished third on the team with 90 tackles and second on the team with an eye-popping 14 TFLs from his secondary spot. He also added 3.0 sacks, seven PBUs, and two interceptions. For good measure, Branch returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown on his first career attempt.

Brian Branch really put it all together this season, and it’s only right for him to go get paid. He was very good in short-to-intermediate pass coverage in 2022, and was elite at setting the edge against the run.

Branch has been one of the most reliable open-field tacklers in college football over the past two seasons. He has also proven to be arguably the best blitzer and pass rusher in the draft among defensive backs. Branch will bring a lot to an NFL franchise next year with his versatility.

Alabama Football: Replacing Brian Branch

This will be one of the most difficult positions for Alabama football to replace in 2023. Rising senior Malachi Moore is the obvious choice, but there could be lots of shuffling in the secondary based on the strengths and weaknesses of different players.

Moore has shown ball-hawking tendencies in the past, but has battled multiple injuries and does not bring the same physicality in the box that Branch offered. Still, he is capable of being a playmaker at Star or bringing experience to one of the deep safety positions.

Incoming 5-star safety Caleb Downs could be the best man for the job as a true freshman, but only if he isn’t needed elsewhere. Alabama also has to replace both of its starting safeties from 2022. Kristian Story and Antonio Kite return as versatile safeties that are rangy enough to play on the back end and big enough to play in the box.

Alabama may have to use several players to replace the production of Brian Branch, who did a little of everything. Branch saved his best for last, playing lights-out in the 2022 Sugar Bowl. The performance virtually cemented his status as a first-round draft pick.

Good luck in the NFL to Brian Branch!