The Detroit Lions have assembled a top-tier roster, and that success starts with nailing the NFL Draft.
In recent years, Detroit has added elite talent, including standout safety Brian Branch. On the “St. Brown Podcast,” Branch shared how the Lions helped him through one of his lowest moments on draft night.
Branch admitted, “That was one of the worst nights of my life. Going all the way there and not hearing my name—it crushed me. That night was really dark, I won’t lie.”
He explained that he was projected to go within the Top 20 or 25 picks, which led him to attend the draft, but things didn’t go that way. Instead, the Lions selected Branch with the 45th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
In hindsight, it worked out perfectly for both sides. The Alabama alum has emerged as a key piece in Detroit’s secondary. Branch’s versatility—playing free safety, strong safety, and in the slot—is a huge asset.
By his second season, Branch became a Pro Bowler. In 2024, he played 16 games and tied for fifth in pass deflections (16) while notching 109 tackles, four interceptions, eight TFLs, and six QB hits.
PFF gave Branch a 77.6 overall grade (17th of 171 safeties), a 90 run defense grade (best among all safeties), and a 70 coverage grade (31st of 171).
Though he expected to be a first-rounder, Branch ended up exactly where he was meant to be. Draft night hurt, but now Branch is one of the NFL’s top safeties and thriving in Detroit.
