A hybrid defender with electric instincts and versatility that fit the modern game, Brian Branch has not only become one of the premier secondary defenders in football but one of the best young ball players in the NFL today. And as the weeks pass, his case for NFL Defensive Player of the Year continues to gain steam.
From the moment he stepped onto the field as a rookie out of Alabama, Branch’s understanding of the game—which often takes years for most players to develop—was evident in his first snaps as a pro. He identifies offensive architecture with precision, diagnosing plays, at times, before the ball is snapped. His ability to anticipate routes in coverage also places him in the right spot to make plays on the football, making him an invaluable presence for head coach Dan Campbell.
His instincts were a big part of why he was able to make an immediate impact in Detroit. Coming out of Alabama, where Nick Saban’s defensive success was historic, Branch was already well-versed in complex defensive schemes. Branch played a hybrid role in Tuscaloosa, often moving between safety, nickel, and sometimes as an off-ball ‘backer. His experience in Saban’s defense made him a quick study for NFL evaluators, and credit to Detroit for not getting cute when it came time for the Lions to make their pick in the second round back in 2023.
One of the most unique aspects of Branch's game, and a key factor in his DPOY candidacy, is his exceptional ability in the run game. While many secondary athletes specialize in coverage or taking the ball away, Branch excels at both limiting the pass and sticking his face in the mud near the line of scrimmage. He plays behind his pads similar to that of a linebacker, yet with the burst and lateral agility of a cornerback to explode to and through opposing ball-carriers. It’s an elite trait to tout considering the NFL’s slow but steady movement toward running the football more, and his versatility allows the Lions to use Branch as a chess piece, lining him up in different spots based on the opponent’s offensive tendencies.
Simply put, you can’t play soft under Campbell’s leadership in Detroit. He’s a coach who has placed a heavy emphasis on dominating the point of attack and Branch embodies Campbell’s mantra. Whether it’s coming off the edge as an extra body on a blitz or playing close to the line of scrimmage as an extra run defender, Branch’s impact in the trenches is something not often seen from secondary defenders.
While Branch’s physicality in the run game is elite, his coverage ability at nickel truly sets him apart. His nuance at the position allows him to cover a variety of different receivers, from shifty slot receivers to bigger, more physical tight ends. He can line up as a slot corner, play as the centerfield safety, or take on more complex zone responsibilities at multiple depths. Branch's skill set in man-to-man opportunities is also noteworthy, where his change of direction and footwork allow him to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage. His instincts play a role here too, as he can identify route combinations, often baiting quarterbacks (see Dallas and Minnesota tape) into making throws he can break on.
Branch’s success is not just a reflection of his fundamental individual talent, but also of the team’s defensive system, which has improved dramatically under the leadership of Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes over the last few campaigns. Detroit's defense, once a weak spot, has transformed into one of the more formidable and feared units in football.
Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have done an excellent job of putting players in positions to succeed, and Branch is a perfect example of how Glenn has allowed his best athletes to do what they do best flying around with their hair on fire. Whether it's in the slot, at safety, or even closer to the line of scrimmage as a hybrid ‘backer, Branch isn’t pigeonholed into a certain role. Rather, it evolves as the offenses they face change each week.
As good as he’s been in his first year and a half of play, Branch’s trajectory points toward even greater success in the future. He still remains in the infant stages of his NFL tenure, and continued development and progression all over a defensive structure will only allow Branch to get better and better as the seasons wear on.
A Defensive Player of the Year Award may seem like a little bit of a reach for those outside of Detroit, but flipping on Branch’s tape showcases one of the NFL’s elite secondary stalwarts and one of football’s premier defenders at just 23 years old.
