Brian Branch’s Versatility and a 2025 Draft Prospect Comparison
One of the standout qualities that made Brian Branch an appealing pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, especially after his unexpected fall to the second round, was his exceptional versatility. The Detroit Lions surely planned to make the most of that flexibility, and Branch’s rookie year didn’t disappoint. He primarily played as a slot corner, recording 74 total tackles, 13 pass breakups, three interceptions, and seven tackles for loss, earning a top-15 cornerback grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF).
However, it wasn’t until the 2024 season that Branch fully showcased his adaptability. With more than half of his 316 total slot corner snaps (including playoffs) coming after Carlton Davis’ season-ending injury, Branch shifted to safety. The move paid off, as he finished the season with 109 total tackles, 16 pass breakups, eight tackles for loss, and four interceptions. Branch earned his first career Pro Bowl selection, ranking as the fifth-highest graded safety in the NFL with a remarkable 90.8 run defense grade from PFF.
Branch’s ability to excel at two different positions in the secondary within his first two seasons is a rare and valuable trait, underscoring his unique versatility.
This versatile skill set has drawn comparisons to a standout prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft—Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron. ESPN’s Matt Miller, who currently ranks Barron among his top 10 prospects, likens him to Branch, especially with the potential to play both cornerback and safety at the next level. Barron, the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner, had an outstanding senior season with five interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Miller praised Barron’s instincts, leadership, and the ability to play both inside and outside, thanks to his extensive experience at cornerback, including both slot and wide roles.
Barron’s position in the NFL could be determined by the team that selects him, and his ability to seamlessly transition between corner and safety makes him a prime candidate for versatility in a secondary, much like Branch has proven to be. With both players excelling in dual roles, Barron could very well follow in Branch’s footsteps as a highly adaptable piece for an NFL defense.
As the 2025 draft approaches, Barron’s stock continues to rise, and his versatility will be key for whichever team he lands with. Whether he’s deployed at cornerback or safety, the comparison to Branch sets a high bar, but Barron has shown the skill set to meet it.
2025 Defensive Back Prospect’s Versatility Makes Him a Brian Branch Clone
