Big Board ranking: #32
Positional ranking: #1
Overview
Position: S
College: Alabama
Class: Junior
Age: 21
Measurables
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 190 lbs.
Arm length: 30 3/4″
Hand size: 9 1/2″
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: 4.58 sec.
10-yard split: 1.56 sec.
Vertical jump: 34.5″
Broad jump: 125.0″
Bench press: 14 reps
3-cone drill: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Strengths
Mostly played the “star” role in Nick Saban’s defense. Patient and poised in coverage. Light on his feet. Quick to identify and trigger out of the backpedal in cushion coverage. Great explosiveness/burst breaking on the ball. Excellent in intermediate man coverage from the slot. Will look to undercut short in-breaking routes. Cover transitions are very smooth. Outstanding ability to flip his hips and run out of the slot. Does a nice job covering wheels/fades along the sideline. Exceptional overall play recognition. Very quick reaction time. Good feel for quarterback runs and will get in position to shut it down. Very strong and aggressive wrapping up ball-carriers. Usually brings opponents down when he gets his hands on them. Physical downhill hitter. Comes out of coverage drops to fill running lanes. Used often as a slot blitzer. Flies in to drill running backs in pass protection. Gets hands up and jumps to disrupt passing lanes on quick throws when blitzing. Very good ball skills. Has experience as a deep safety. Can be dangerous as a punt returner.
Weaknesses
Struggles with pure speed from the slot. Will be called for pass interference by getting to handsy. Would like to see him keep his feet more consistently as a tackler. Needs to improve working through blocks in space when stationary. Latched onto blocks too easily at the goal line. Allowed a couple of touchdowns to Jalin Hyatt in loss to Tennessee (2022).
NFL comparison
Chuck Clark
Conclusion
Overall, Branch is an aggressive, intelligent safety that hits, covers, and brings versatility to a defense. He should be at his best if used in a role that keeps him closer to the action with the ability to cover from the slot.