Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 89.57 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Daxton Hill

Accolades:

  • 2022: AP second-team All-American
  • 2022: Only SEC player with 90+ tackles, 2+ interceptions and 2+ sacks

Summary:

Brian Branch is a versatile, intelligent player who has been asked to do a lot for Nick Saban's team. He has fulfilled a leadership role with flying colors. Branch is effective as a spot pass-rusher and playing down hill to fit the run. One has to nitpick to find many flaws in his game, but Branch could add a bit more mass to his frame. He had just a 3.2% missed tackle rate in 2022.

Strengths:

  • Versatilility allows him to play safety, nickel and boundary in a pinch
  • High football IQ
  • Fluid hips to transition across the field
  • Effective on blitzes
  • Does a good job getting off blocks

Weaknesses:

  • Average in man coverage
  • Played a flexible role at Alabama, will a team get good return value in a more refined role?
  • Would like to see him add a bit more mass to his frame

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.58 seconds
  • Vertical: 34.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 5 inches

Complete In-Depth Analysis