By Sunday 
If you’re wondering who’s turning heads early in Lions training camp, look no further than No. 32 — Brian Branch. The second-year safety out of Alabama is making sure no one forgets his name, and quite frankly, it’s starting to feel like he’s involved in every single play.
Whether it’s breaking up passes, blitzing off the edge, or stuffing the run, Branch has become a camp magnet — and that’s exactly what Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn love to see.
A Natural Nose for the Ball
Branch has that rare “see ball, get ball” instinct, and it’s been on full display during team drills. On Sunday, he was consistently around the action. In 11-on-11s, he nearly picked off a tipped pass and later sniffed out a screen like he knew it was coming before the quarterback even let it go.
“He’s just got that feel,” one coach reportedly said. “You don’t teach that.”
LaPorta vs. Branch: Iron Sharpens Iron
Branch’s biggest test of the day came during 1-on-1 drills against tight end Sam LaPorta, who’s also been lighting up camp. The two young stars went toe-to-toe, with LaPorta winning a few reps thanks to his raw power, but Branch never backed down. He got a clean pass breakup later in the drill, flashing both technique and quickness.
Seeing two cornerstone pieces of Detroit’s future battle it out? That’s camp gold.
Setting the Tone for the Defense
Aidan Hutchinson may be the face of the defense, but Branch is quickly becoming its heartbeat. His energy is contagious. He chirps, he celebrates, he lifts guys up. When he flies in for a tackle, teammates take notice. That kind of edge — especially from a young guy — is something that resonates through a locker room.
And with C.J. Gardner-Johnson now in Jacksonville, the Lions need that voice in the secondary. It’s starting to look like Branch is ready to take it.
What This Means Moving Forward
It’s only camp, yes. But camp matters. The Lions are no longer building from scratch — they’re tuning up for a real Super Bowl push. And if Brian Branch continues this level of play, he’s going to be one of the most important pieces on a team full of rising stars.
Detroit wanted dogs on defense. Branch might just be the junkyard type.