2023 NFL Draft Prospects: Brian Branch

Background

Name: Brian Branch

Hometown: Fayetteville, Georgia College: University of Alabama Class: Junior

Position: Slot Corner/Safety Height: 6'0"

Weight: 194 lbs

NFL Comp: Jalen Pitre

Who Is Brian Branch?

Brian Branch is the perfect example of a fantastically talented player at an under-valued position. Branch has played at two positions for Alabama, those being at safety and nickel corner. During his last season, Branch made the transition to nickel corner which was seen in a negative light by fans, but he once again put together a fantastic season. He was often a huge part of Alabama's games as he was targeted frequently by opposing teams.

In his last season, Branch was targeted 57 times and allowed 36 receptions for just 240 yards. He also allowed 2 touchdowns while coming down with 2 interceptions as well. For being in a brand new position and being targeted so often, Branch had a very impressive year. When you turn on the film, it's clear that this is one of the best players this draft has to offer. He's a do-it-all defensive back who can even come down in run support and get to the quarterback.

All of his development this last season was showcased in Alabama's bowl game where he came down with a sack, an interception, and some big plays throughout the game against Kansas State. For that kind of success and what he has achieved in other games, Branch doesn't come with an overbearing ego. He's a team player who wants to win above anything else, something that would fit in perfectly with Jacksonville. Pair that with his aggressive big-play style that hasn't backfired often, there shouldn't be a doubt he's high on Jacksonville's board.

Branch's Fit With Jaguars

Brian Branch would be the perfect fit for the Jaguars need at slot cornerback. While Tre Herndon performed good enough at the end of the season, this team could still look to upgrade their coverage and complete their secondary with a full cast of playmakers. Having a versatile player like Branch would allow the Jaguars to have more of a rotation at safety as well since Branch would be able to play there at a high level. With that said, slot corners have been on the field for about 75% of snaps in Jacksonville so he would undoubtedly be lining up there the most.

Right off the bat, Branch would provide another boost to the Jaguars ability to create turnovers. He would also improve the ability for this team to cover the middle of the field and likely force offenses to completely rely on short to intermediate passes. Even without a good nickel corner, the Jaguars were rarely targeted with deep passes so I would imagine this would only continue to solidify the fortress in the secondary.

Branch doesn't only improve the Jaguars ability to cover and create turnovers, but he would shore up a deficiency that could provide more time for pass rushers to get home. For much of the season, the Jaguars' pass rush was able to pressure at a high rate but unable to get home with the sack. With opposing teams' top target to exploit out of the mix, I would imagine that there would be an increase in sacks. The secondary helps the pass rush and the pass rush helps the secondary, that doesn't change here.

Should The Jaguars Draft Brian Branch?

If Brian Branch falls to the 25th pick, I wouldn't fault the Jaguars for drafting him. He would be an instant impact addition to the defense that would complete a lockdown secondary. However, that doesn't change the fact that there are other positions that are more valuable and could arguably be a larger need. If there's a talented pass rusher available to select, especially on the interior, that could be the best option for the team.

A strong argument against drafting for another need like pass rusher is the depth of this class. If the Jaguars wanted to target Brian Branch in the first round, there would still be impactful players available on the edge or the interior through Day 2. Even considering that, the Jaguars need to target the best player available at their selection that can make an impact and if Brian Branch is somehow available at this pick, I think he fits the bill. Thanks for reading, feel free to give your thoughts in the comments and any suggestions for content you want to see. Make sure to be respectful towards other fans and represent the Jaguars fan base the way it deserves.