Coming out of Alabama, Brian Branch was broadcasted as one of the top safeties available in the 2023 draft class, which became realized as he was the top safety off the board in the second round last year. During his rookie season in Detroit, though, Branch saw very little time at safety, something that is likely to change in 2024, according to Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman. 
Though Branch wasn’t playing in his assumed role as a rookie, he was still a very significant factor on the defense in 2023. In nine starts over 15 games played, Branch racked up 74 tackles, 13 passes defensed, and three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) working almost exclusively as a nickel cornerback. Those rookie efforts earned him a ranking as the 14th-best cornerback in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), and the second-best pure slot corner behind New York’s Michael Carter II; Kansas City’s Trent McDuffie and Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon also saw significant time in the slot but played a decent amount on the outside, as well.
The safety spots in Detroit last year were manned by Kerby Joseph on one side and Tracy Walker and Ifeatu Melifonwu, who split time on the other side in 2023 after an injury held C.J. Gardner-Johnson out of 14 contests. With Gardner-Johnson back in Philadelphia and Walker being released back in February, a door has opened for Branch to get more work at a thinner safety position. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn reportedly prefers his nickelbacks to have experience at safety due to the physical demands of the slot in today’s game anyway.
We haven’t seen evidence of this newly expanded role for Branch yet this offseason in minicamp or organized team activities. A minor surgical cleanup procedure on the young defensive back’s ankle has held him out of early activities this offseason, per Justin Rogers of The Detroit News.
Once he returns to the field in camp, though, it will be interesting to see just how much the Lions intend to cross-train Branch on the defense this offseason. Branch should likely get an opportunity to start alongside Joseph at safety. Should the Lions prefer to utilize him in last year’s nickelback role at all, Melifonwu should be able to rotate in as an additional defensive back to cover the back end. While Detroit is still a bit thin at safety, Branch’s versatility should provide some potential solutions in 2024.
Seems worth mentioning that they signed Amik Robertson, presumably to take on a big chunk of that slot role.
On one hand, Branch is fantastic and is a true asset on the field, covering a ton of different areas. On the other, Detroit sort of used him to compensate fir a lot of deficiencies on defense, particularly on the back end at their safety and nickel spots. It’s good to see them feature his game changing ability more, but I’d be hesitant to get too reliant on Branch to cover too much again.
Detroit’s defense progressed significantly as the season progressed, but they still have work to do, particularly in the secondary. Injuries or no, that was a weak point in the defense most of the year. I’d like to see them establish a good foundation there-this draft went a long way to addressing that (not to mention certain players being gone…), if these picks pan out as expected. As long as Branch doesn’t have to be the lynchpin in lieu of other pieces being independently capable, this seems to be a good development for Detroit’s defense, though. Branch can cover tight ends and running backs fairly well in today’s passing game. Combined with his playmaking ability, he could become a top player in the league regardless of experience as soon as this year, if this all progresses well. One thing that shoukd be mentioned as well is the Reader signing inside.
Detroits secondary was absolutely awful last year, simple and plain. Cam Sutton being gone is the best thing that could’ve happened, as he couldn’t cover a 7 year old in flag football by years end. Not to mention shedding the dead weight that was Tracy Walker helps! You cannot blame Kindle Vildor as he shouldn’t of been starting in the 1st place. But with the additions of Davis, Arnold, Rakestraw and Robertson this has now possibly gone from a weakness to a strength. So should be much more tough to throw on this squad this year!