The Detroit Lions may not have gotten consistent production out of their cornerbacks to open the season, but they’ve found a clear standout in the secondary during the first four weeks: Brian Branch. The second-year defensive back has come out firing in 2025, and PFF is rewarding his stellar play.

The analytics outlet put out its “too soon” All-Pro selections as the NFL hits the one-quarter mark, and writer Gordon McGuinness listed Branch as runner-up for First Team safety behind Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

So far, Branch has totaled one forced fumble, five pass breakups, and 18 solo tackles. He’s had several chances at interceptions, and with how active he’s been, it seems only a matter of time before he notches his first of the year.

Even so, being penciled in for Second Team All-Pro recognition this early shows just how much he means to Detroit’s defense outside their tough defensive line, and hints that his first career All-Pro nod could soon be coming.

Branch looks close to elite status with Detroit in 2025.

At present, Branch sits 11th among all safeties in PFF’s grading system (79.9). He’s second in pass breakups with four, and tops all safeties in sacks. Watching him, you can instantly see how he locates the ball and makes offenses pay whenever they cross into his space.

The penalties and occasional recklessness remain areas he has to clean up, but he recognizes that. As he matures on and off the field, it’s becoming clear he’s a growing leader on a Lions defense quickly turning into one of the NFL’s strongest units.

Detroit has limited opponents to under 300 total yards per game through four contests, and they should improve as Alim McNeill, Terrion Arnold, and D.J. Reed return. Branch will continue to anchor the secondary, with health being a critical factor. If he’s already mentioned with a star like Winfield, he’s clearly on track toward eventually becoming a highly paid Lions safety as well.