When it comes to the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers tend to do well with their early-round picks. In 2021, the Steelers drafted University of Alabama running back Najee Harris with the 24th overall pick. Harris is already becoming a young star in the league in just his second year. With the 2023 draft quickly approaching, everyone is wondering who Pittsburgh will take in the first round. One possibility is bringing in another Crimson Tide product, defensive back Brian Branch.
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Branch Playstyle Similar To Current Steelers Star
Like every team, the Steelers have a laundry list of needs that have to be addressed in the off-season. One of the primary holes to be filled is finding a number-one cornerback. The 2023 draft class has many options at the position, but in terms of high-end cornerback talent that could become day-one starters, the number begins to dwindle. Other teams besides the Steelers will be gunning for a certified CB1 in the draft, meaning the best players may be off the board before Pittsburgh’s selection. This is where Brian Branch steps into the picture.
Branch is viewed as one of the top defensive prospects going into the draft. In college, Branch displayed his ability to play a combination of slot corner as well as safety. Possessing these qualities has had people compare Branch to former Alabama star and current Steelers All-Pro safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Credit: Matthew Sunday
Branch likes this comparison as he’s a fan of Fitzpatrick’s play style.
“I love his game, the way he’s able to play every position on the back end and do it at a high level,” Branch said. “I’ve been able to do that in my years at Alabama.”
Branch-Fitzpatrick Backfield Duo
Branch has managed to talk with the Steelers at the NFL Combine, and when it came to discussing the possibility of lining up in the backfield with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Branch admitted that it is “something I’ve dreamed of and have visions of when I sleep.” It’s good to hear that wearing the black and gold would be a dream come true for Branch, but is that the same case for the Steelers? To answer this question, let’s compare the two players’ careers in Alabama.
For starters, both Branch and Fitzpatrick played until their junior year, so they are equal in that regard. When looking at Fitzpatrick, you can see he totaled 171 tackles (16.5 for a loss), five sacks, 24 passes defended and nine interceptions with four of those being returned for a pick-six. Putting those numbers against Branch’s and you would think you were viewing the same player. In his collegiate career Branch totaled 172 tackles (19.5 for a loss), four sacks, 23 passes defended and three interceptions albeit none were returned for a touchdown.
While we won’t go on record and call Branch an exact duplicate of Fitzpatrick, he is remarkably close to being the same caliber of player given his size of being six feet tall and weighing 193 pounds, the skills he brings, and the numbers he puts up. Let’s say that the Steelers take Branch at 17 because he’s the best player available. With him being predominantly a slot corner in this instance, what would the Steelers run in terms of defensive packages to make sure Branch gets the most usage? The most likely scenario would be using three safeties.
The Steelers ran a three-safety package a great deal in the second half of the season once Damontae Kazee was healthy. The trio was Kazee, Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds. Kazee and Edmunds each can become unrestricted free agents in mid-March, which means Pittsburgh might want to look more closely at Branch, especially if either one or both do not resign. But would that justify drafting him with the number 17 pick? Honestly, it could be a good idea to draft Branch at number 17 regardless of scheme fit. His versatility and willingness to play wherever he is needed make him all the more valuable.
“My versatility is a great selling point,” Branch said. “I let them know, wherever they need me, I can play. If a team utilizes me to blitz, I can blitz. If a team wants me to cover the slot receiver, I can do that. If a team wants me to drop into zone, I can do that, as well. I can be a safety and be the quarterback of the defense. I can do all of that.”
Do you think Brian Branch is a good choice for the Steelers with the 17th pick? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section or on social media.
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