Brian Branch
23-Year-Old
2024 Defense Stats
TCKL
84
SACKS
0.0
INT
4
FF
1
TD
0
Rest-of-Season Projections
2024 Fantasy Outlook
Branch was considered one of the better defensive backs in the 2023 NFL Draft, proving to be a steal after he fell to Detroit in the second round. During his rookie campaign, the 22-year-old recorded 74 tackles, including a sack, while also forcing a fumble. Playing both nickel cornerback and safety, the latter of which he settled into as the season went on, he compiled 13 pass deflections and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Branch figures to operate as Detroit's primary strong safety in 2024, a role in which he likely will continue to flourish. Read Past Outlooks
Questionable for Sunday
Branch (calf) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bears, Justin Rogers of DetroitFootball.net reports.
ANALYSIS
Branch opened the Lions' week of practice with a DNP, but he's logged two consecutive limited sessions since, so it appears he's trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's divisional contest. The second-year pro from Alabama has impressed this season, recording 84 total tackles and 14 passes defended, including four interceptions, over 13 appearances. If Branch can play through his calf injury in Week 16, he'll start alongside Kerby Joseph as part of Detroit's top safety duo.
Branch opened the Lions' week of practice with a DNP, but he's logged two consecutive limited sessions since, so it appears he's trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's divisional contest. The second-year pro from Alabama has impressed this season, recording 84 total tackles and 14 passes defended, including four interceptions, over 13 appearances. If Branch can play through his calf injury in Week 16, he'll start alongside Kerby Joseph as part of Detroit's top safety duo.
NFL Stats
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2024
2023
2024 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
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2024 Brian Branch Split Stats
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Measurables Review
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How do Brian Branch's measurables compare to other safeties?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 0"Weight
203 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.58 secVertical Jump
34.5 inBench Press
14 repsHand Length
9.50 inArm Length
30.75 in
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2023 Fantasy Outlook
Branch was regarded as one of the better safety prospects in the 2023 draft class, despite falling to the second round. However, with nickel back C.J. Gardner-Johnson joining Tracy Walker atop the depth chart and 2022 second-round pick in Kerby Joseph coming off a promising rookie season, Branch seems headed for nothing more than a rotational role in Year 1 with the Lions.
More Fantasy News
Returns to practice Thursday
Branch (calf) was a limited participant in practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
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Nursing calf injury
Branch (calf) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday's practice report.
ANALYSIS
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Career high in tackles in loss
Branch recorded 15 total tackles (eight solo) in Sunday's 48-42 loss to Buffalo.
ANALYSIS
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Not on injury report Wednesday
Branch (cramps) does not appear on Detroit's injury report Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
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Dealing with cramps
Branch is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Packers due to cramping.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Ejected from Week 9 win
Branch was ejected in the first half of Sunday's 24-14 win over the Packers after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Bo Melton, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
A 15-yard penalty was certainly warranted on Branch's hit, but the ejection was surprising, and Fox broadcaster Tom Brady disagreed with that decision. Branch made an obscene gesture at the Lambeau Field crowd as he was leaving the field, drawing a second 15-yard penalty. Detroit overcame the early exit of the starting safety to improve to 7-1. Branch is unlikely to be suspended for Week 10 against the Texans, but he'll probably be fined for his actions.
A 15-yard penalty was certainly warranted on Branch's hit, but the ejection was surprising, and Fox broadcaster Tom Brady disagreed with that decision. Branch made an obscene gesture at the Lambeau Field crowd as he was leaving the field, drawing a second 15-yard penalty. Detroit overcame the early exit of the starting safety to improve to 7-1. Branch is unlikely to be suspended for Week 10 against the Texans, but he'll probably be fined for his actions.