Brian Branch was the top-ranked impact player among all NFL DBs in 2023

By now, we can all agree that the Detroit Lions got an absolute steal when they selected Brian Branch in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. Especially after the rookie season he put together with 74 total tackles, 13 pass deflections and three interceptions.

Impact Play % for 2023 defensive backs pic.twitter.com/XHgV0pioh0

An offer for Lions fans

For the best local Detroit news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.

$1 for 6 months

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) May 7, 2024

According to Pro Football Focus, no defensive back had a higher impact percentage on defense than Branch did in 2023. He had 62 impact plays (the league high for defensive backs), and this gave him an impact play rate of 7.10% for the season.

Lions film breakdown on Brian Branch’s incredible performance against the Falcons

 

The 22-year-old defensive back led the Lions in pass deflections (13), and his seven tackles for loss were tied with Alex Anzalone for second-best on the team. Whether it be his first NFL game, where he had a pick-6 against Patrick Mahomes, or playing through injury and making leaping attempts to break up passes, Branch was a key player on defense.

Last season, he played in 15 games with nine starts, but the expectation for him now is to be an every-game starter and make even more impact plays in 2024.