From now until the 2023 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top 10 picks, all the way down to Day 3 selections and priority undrafted free agents. Today I’ll be profiling Alabama safety Brian Branch.
#14 BRIAN BRANCH, SAFETY, ALABAMA (JR.) 6000,193 LBS.
Senior Bowl invite/Combine TBD
Measurements
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Brian Branch | 6’0 193 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 40 Yard Dash | 10 Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
THE GOOD
— Big strong defensive back with the power to tackle the biggest of ballcarriers
— Good in zone coverage with good awareness on when receivers are going to break on the route
— Great at stopping the run overall
— Played in a scheme that allowed him to be position versatile all over the field
— Reads the quarterbacks eyes well while consistently putting himself in the throwing area
— Good blitzer off the edge as he times the snap well
— Very good at getting his hands on receivers as they get into the route
— Plays run fits well in the run game when playing down on the line of scrimmage
— Very good at covering underneath routes and reacting when the ball is in the air
— His strength when getting hands on receivers is going to allow him to direct targets wherever he would like them
— Great efficiency as a tackler not allowing guys to slip away from him
— Specifically good in man coverage in short/shallow routes
THE BAD
— Plays very hesitant near the line of scrimmage
— As good a tackler as he is, lacks the clean up tackle aspect of defense
— Tends to get outran vertically on routes of 20 or more yards
— Upped his tackle numbers by a mile as a junior but lacks the production in the ball hawk category as he has few interceptions and pass deflections
— Would like to see him chase the ball better and be more involved in runs and plays downfield
— Would like to see him with a little more fight when trying to shed blocks in the run game near the box
Bio
— Born October 22, 2001 (age 21)
— Junior prospect from Fayetteville, GA
— Four-star recruit by most major sites
— 18th ranked player in the state of Georgia, and the no.