2023 mock NFL Draft 3.0: Final 11th-hour edition (with trades)
829. . Safety. Crimson Tide . Brian Branch. 15. player
On the clock: Pick No. 15: New York Jets – Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama
Mock Draft 1.0: Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama (Green Bay Packers)
Mock Draft 2.0: Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama (Green Bay Packers)
The New York Jets should not have traded down in the Aaron Rodgers trade, but they were understandably desperate to grab him. The Jets might consider a tackle like Darnell Wright, but given Wright might not be a left tackle in the NFL they might consider the best safety in the draft instead.
While Branch is not a can’t-miss safety prospect, he’s still a strong player who can bolster the position for the Jets and give them a long term solution at the position.
Brian Branch has been really impressive at the NFL Combine. He’s solidified himself as a Top 15 pick. #NFLCombine #RollTide #AlabamaFootball
— Justin Riley (@JustinRiley7) March 4, 2023
pic.twitter.com/A54mLG0Q5k
Branch recorded 90 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and seven passes while playing both as a safety and nickel back for Alabama this season. Branch is a typical Alabama player boasting an incredibly high football IQ and strong against the run.
While there is some concern Branch doesn’t have the takeaways he should have and he might be a tweener with no real home, there’s still a lot of potential in him for a team like the Jets to take here.