Steelers Should Pair Brian Branch Alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick To Form An All-American Safety Combo In 2023

Leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft starting on April 27th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up... 

Brian Branch (Defensive Back), Alabama, Junior

Brian Branch stands in at 6' tall, weighing 190lbs, and is the most versatile defensive back in this entire draft class.

Overview

There are always a handful of players in each draft class that will become immediate contributors regardless of who drafts them, and Branch is one of those guys. Starting as a true freshman for Alabama's defense in the College Football Playoff tells you all you need to know about his ability to transition to a step up in competition quickly. 

Branch spent the majority of his time playing either in the slot or in the box, which is slightly surprising since he doesn't have the prototypical size for a box safety. However, the level of physicality he brings along with being the most sure tackler in the entire class makes him an incredibly reliable player around the line of scrimmage. 

Pros:

- Very sound tackler, one missed tackle in final season

- Versatility, has experience all over the field

- Incredible IQ and instincts

- Quick feet, can keep up and change direction with ease

- Instant contributor

- Takes on blocks, doesn't shy away from contact

- Great angles when ball is in the air

- Doesn't collect penalties

Cons:

- Average athlete

- Body is slightly undersized for a true box role

- Not a true ball hawk due to playing safe at times

There is no doubt that pairing Branch next to a former Alabama star, Minkah Fitzpatrick, would make all of Steeler Nation happy to see. Unfortunately, there is a strong chance Branch is gone before the Steelers are on the clock, so Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan may have to make a draft day move if they feel Branch is their target. Branch has also expressed interest in joining the Steelers, so the interest should be mutual. 

Coverage and Ball Skills

Considering the majority of his snaps have come in the slot, Branch was frequently asked to cover a variety of different opponents and play in several different coverages. Even with all those additional variables, and playing in his slot role as a true freshman, Branch excelled from the time he stepped on the field in coverage. In man he has the needed foot quickness and agility to mirror smaller wide receivers while being physical enough to match bigger wide receivers and tight ends. There hasn't been a lot of ball production through his time in college, as he recorded "only" four interceptions through his three college seasons. However, he wasn't heavily targeted which could have suppressed some of those numbers. 

Run Support and Tackling

For having somewhat of a slight build, it is a little surprising that Branch is arguably the best defensive back in run support and tackling in this draft class. Having missed only one tackle in his final season, Branch has proven to be as sure as they come when making sure he gets a ball carrier on the ground. He also had 24 run stops this past season, which is one of the top marks for all safeties in college football last season. There are zero questions about Branch's ability to play the run and make sure tackles, or if there are, there shouldn't be. 

Versatility and IQ

Being listed as a safety, it is odd that over his college career he has spent over 75% of his snaps either in the slot or in the box. That is more than any other safety in this draft class by a country mile. His ability to play basically any role he was asked to at a high level shows that he is one of the most versatile players in this class regardless of position. Every single play Branch is quick to diagnose, understand his assignment, and even make up for other players when they miss theirs. His football IQ is through the roof, and simple put, he just gets "it". 

NFL Comparison - Jimmie Ward

It is hard to find a true comparison for Branch, but Ward might be the closest. Dude to both players having a physical play style and their ability to cover wide receivers, both Ward and Branch are highly valued players in today's NFL. Don't look to either Ward or Branch if you want a freak athlete to groom into the perfect specimen, as they are both just "average" athletes, but they are some of the smartest players on the field and are just darn good football players. 

Draft Projection - Top 20

If the draft just measured "the best" football players, Branch would easily be a top five pick. But unfortunately, position value and testing numbers play a huge role. It is likely some team in the teens will get an absolute steal with Branch because he doesn't play one of the premier positions and didn't blow people's minds at the combine. 

Let us know below what you think about Branch as a prospect and the potential of seeing him in the black and gold! What other prospects would you be interested in seeing a profile on? Click to comment below!

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Other Potential Steelers Draft Picks

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland