Behind the Scenes: Lions Draft Brian Branch

[@HonoluluBlue81]

The fact that Branch stayed after not getting picked on day one says something about his character. He’s humble and he’s gonna play with a huge chip on his shoulder. Love it.

[@raccoonmoder]

compare that to Will Levis not even waiting for the second day. when i hear Branch say he couldn't miss it cause he'll never get another chance I know we got a DAWG

[@laurenclark3150]

Right! I just keep thinking about the Will Levis clips in the green room. Lol

[@florida1289]

Exactly...most would doubt themselves too but he acted like he knew something.... obviously he did....he knew that he's a badazz

[@bobby_D]

I LOVE the fact that he did that. He wanted to see how it felt walking out there so he stayed. How awesome is that? I couldn’t be more pumped up about the players this team has drafted. It’s just unreal. Branch, LaPorta, Camp, Jahmyr, Jamo, Hutch, Penei, Kirby, I mean what a bunch of stud players!!

[@rbeezy42]

Perfect Lion in this new culture

[@clarkvaughan]

This aged extremely well!

[@Lew_7567]

FR, it was an absolute steal of 23 draft. Same with Arnold in this draft.

[@robertcairns9026]

I don't do this often but yah possibly all pro year 2 was indeed the correct pick

[@YourGodsIcon]

I scrolled down to type your exact comment because of how great Branch is playing this year. Well played sir.

[@robertcairns9026]

@YourGodsIcon such a damn dog for us

[@CarsonClaws]

Biggest steal of the draft. Most versatile defensive player in the entire class. He’s going to be a huge part of our defense

[@bobby_D]

Definitely one of the biggest steals. Dude is a 1st rounder. Period.

[@mattcottrell4350]

Hands down! While Coach Campbell looked a bit stoic, his body language said it all! Intense, fearsome, and most of all confident. Branch is a dawg!

[@grumpypoof9648]

Man did this comment age great.

[@Detroitlionsfan66]

@@grumpypoof9648 for real bro just saw this in my recommended

[@-EnforcerVFX-]

Him being at the draft still made me an instant fan

[@carafelicia]

100% same. He’s got so much character!

[@robynsnest8668]

That man had a pick six in his first game. Wow, how well this aged.

[@knienst731]

That pick made me go crazy. He was a top 15 guy. Nevermind the assessment on Gibbs and Campbell lol. In the end, we got like 4 or 5 starters out of this draft

[@danwesterhouse6627]

This kid is character all the way. Don't shit yourself. What a great grab. Use him Detroit, he's got skills.

[@jaynosowsky9708]

Branch will be a pro bowler mark my words!!!! I would of drafted him in the first ..before the 15th pick. We stole the draft!!!

[@chevy4x466]

he is my favorite draft pick the fans r gunna love this player

[@ptulip]

How did this guy slip down so far? He's a great player! @@danwesterhouse6627

[@andressandoval9043]

Dude is gonna make 31 teams pay for what they did!

[@brokentubing]

#1 the Packer’s who needed a safety.

[@TehJew22]

#2 The Raiders needed somebody, anybody to compensate for the lackluster secondary. Just like the Packers, Las Vegas blew it.

[@specialted1]

Lions did pass on him 3 times….

[@andressandoval9043]

@@specialted1Lions the only team willing to pull the trigger on him early in the draft. If Detroit doesn’t draft him he may keep falling in the draft who knows.

[@bradcrawford1998]

In GUARENTEE the other teams that passed on him in the first two rounds that needed a STRONG DB are regretting not taking Branch. This defense is getting BETTER somehow even without Hutch. Branch is stabilizing the defensive backfield along with D players just getting better, coached well.

[@cammyboyyy8173]

I can’t say enough good things about the personality and character of the players we drafted, no divas all dawgs.

[@KevinDonlin]

“No Divas. All Dawgs.” Detroit sports in 4 words 👊

[@wpl8275]

GM talks to him, coach talks to him and owner talks to him. All completely on board with the pick.

[@irishsuperman244]

Branch was one of my top guys I wanted I was so scared we weren’t going to get him and low and behold DC and Brad fire and take the shot let’s goooooo

[@YourBestFriend_99]

My heart, the fact that he waited , one of the best things we could do, dude has been such a great player for us

[@connorgolden4]

What a steal. Man proved his a worth in the first damn game.

[@TOANNGUYEN-hc8hw]

Love this guy BB ! he's gonna be one of the best DB in the NFL for years to come !

[@mikesmith1324]

Agreed. Get a Gold Jacket ready for #32

[@DirtyDLions685]

I love how people say the Branch is such a good pick and then say the Gibbs pick was bad. Holmes picked them both using the same thought-process and evaluation. Ever think that maybe he’s just smarter than your favorite mock draft? If you want some proof, just look at his 2021 and 2022 draft classes. Enough said.

[@thomaswatkins3686]

l Enough said? Let’s look at this “master class” Holmes has been putting on up to this point. Per you. High picks: Levi (bust), Paschal (injured/bust), JaMo (suspended/bust), Sure, he drafted a very average edge rusher in Hutchinson. But he missed totally on Sauce Gardner, admitting he never considered him. Why that looks so dumb? They spent massive parts of the next season getting toasted at CB AND then spent millions on a broke CB, a career 2 who isn’t that good and a bunch of junk behind them (CB will again be a need in 24). So fail, seeing Sewell, a solid RIGHT tackle is the best of that bunch. If you think guys like Rodriguez or Barnes are an asset, you didn’t watch them. They’re both guys who need to be replaced and will phased out over the next 2 years. Campbell was more evidence the approach at LB was terrible over years 1-2 and it wasn’t smart leaving it to chance. Could have easily been solved using a pick on Parsons too. Imagine Gardner & Parsons together. Scary. But, well. We know. “NEeD MOAR TrEnZsHuEs!” won out. So. Who’s left? Joseph? Solid player. But probably not a weekly starter. St Brown? Excellent possession WR. Possession the key (you get about what Michael Pittman gets you). Houston? The guy they freaking CUT? Bonus: 12 wins in 2 years. Enough said.

[@travisvanalst4698]

@@thomaswatkins3686Lol Aiden is average? He has more sacks than Mack and JJ Watt combined at this point in his career. Also more than TJ Watt too. Has more interceptions than Mack, Garret, Watt combined in their first 10 games.He may not be one of the best yet, but he’s certainly on his way. I like how you try to skate around calling someone by saying St Brown is a good possession WR and not just a good receiver. Which he is. Houston had 8 sacks in 7 games. He had a hand as head of scouting in drafting Goff, Donald, Cupp… Holmes for sure has a good eye. You’re literally the only one shitting on his drafting choices. Like in all of the football world. 12 wins in two years after having one of the youngest teams in the league, being number 6 in the league with amount of starters being drafted in the last two years is quite an accomplishment after having gutted the whole organization in 2021. Sorry bud, but when you’re wrong big, you’re wrong big.

[@DirtyDLions685]

@@thomaswatkins3686 LMAO Is your argument really that because they didn’t get Sauce AND Parsons that both drafts were bad? So you just cherry pick the two best players and think it makes you sound smart. That is so short-sighted it’s impossible for me to lend your argument any credibility whatsoever. Then you go on some bumbling rant about CBs they picked up in FA, which has nothing to do with the draft. Try to stay on topic big guy. Sewell made the pro bowl last year, Hutch second in DROY. But they’re just average right? Then to top it all off, you say St. Brown and Michael Pittman are the same…Pittman couldn’t sniff St. Brown’s jock strap even if he asked nicely. So what team are you a fan of then? I’d love to compare draft classes.

[@kendrix2the7th]

​@@thomaswatkins3686Dude a troll🤡

[@Wheelio]

@@thomaswatkins3686 Is this a troll response? What on Earth.

[@terryrejniak]

Well it worked out very well for Branch. He didn't end up on a crap team. He will probably be playing for the NFC TITLE again at least and possibly be playing in a Super Bowl. He is a great player that will get a very nice second contract. Plus he is playing for a great organization and wonderful teammates and coach. He has it by the balls!

[@danschwartz1950]

That was awesome. A player of that caliber that dropped 20-30 places - Wow! Gibbs, Campbell & Branch are game changers!

[@TheAlienAbides]

Don't forget Laporta

[@Shah_g1130]

The ulcers you can see forming it’s seriously something you can feel them wanting these players it’s amazing to be us!!!

[@Detroit-gx5nd]

Best pick of the whole class and i love our draft class so it says a lot

[@ibuprofen_]

Amon Ra level steal

[@hwpo7197]

Best safety in the draft was a steal at top of the 2nd

[@mrkwells4]

I mean Amon-Ra is more of a steal, let’s be honest. But getting Branch is obviously great value. Let’s see how this pans out.😊

[@ibuprofen_]

@@mrkwells4 time will tell , I'll be rooting for the kid

[@arrogancy]

Its looking pretty good ​@mrkwells4

[@ryanfox7061]

Update: he's on pace to be an All Pro lol

[@nickvaandrager4392]

I’m getting goosebumps all over again!

[@ryanwillis8679]

Still my favorite pick that year. The fact that Branch came back for day 2 and hung out with lions fans for pics and the whole thing was just kickass! Not to mention he's an AWESOME player

[@paulmorgan5841]

Lions have a knack of late for bringing in guys with chips on their shoulder- perfect

[@theronin9984]

This is what a successful franchise looks like. ❤ #OnePride 💯🦁👍🏾

[@thomaswatkins3686]

Then why do they have 12 wins in 2 years? Or 1 win in September the last 2? Or 4 win through November the last 2? Should I go on?

[@JeffWilliams-p1c]

@@thomaswatkins3686 Yes. Yes. Please "Go on". LOL!

[@carlosbernard5145]

One of the biggest steals of the draft in recent history!

[@MSUParker]

I love this video. Brian Branch is a BEAST! Go Lions!!!!!

[@doffydonquixte]

Lions gonna be dangerous. Playoffs and 1st round win will be the mark

[@TheAlienAbides]

You spelled playoffs and 1st rd bye wrong.

[@yzwme586]

this aged well

[@doffydonquixte]

@@yzwme586 thank you, that hater up there can’t belive it

[@xvCheckmated]

Back after that Falcons game. This kid was the best player on the field. Gold Jacket incoming. what a MONSTER

[@preacherfrompontiac9714]

Loves what he does, loves identifying talent, and finding men that have true passion. Never seen this before in detroit, it reminds me of being a Red Wings fan in the early 90s.

[@Deedeedee214]

Mike Babcock vibes too

[@3percent247]

Branch may be an absolute steal

[@wolverinefangowings]

Not shown: Tom Grossi going ballistic

[@robertcairns9026]

Everyone took that 40 time as gospel. Thank you idiots lol. Bbeep.

[@AT-qm8gv]

It’s insane how the Lions have the Top 2 Safeties in the league and they were drafted a year apart.

[@DetroitCoalition]

This pick was so important. Everyone plays nickel, and this man could be the best slot corner in the league in a couple of years. I wanted him in the 1st round.

[@thomaswatkins3686]

Love Branch. Saw him out at the opens. He is larger than advertised. He was working with both the 1s and 2s, drilling with both the pass coverage and run defense units. He was by the coaches all morning, always taking pointers. He is going to be playing sooner rather than later with this team. You can write that down.

[@philkwon81]

you were right on with this take, my man. INT in his first pro game, AND a it's a pick 6? yeah. immediate impact. and he's not the only rookie showing out. brad holmes knows what the fuck he's doing.

[@miked2445]

I guess Im the first one to go back and rewatch this after the game. Ill see yu guys when you here.

[@rw9854]

I love this team. And I love Dan Campbells huge t shirt and boot fit jeans!

[@pompgt7234]

The defensive version of St Brown. Those too are going to make each other better for years to come.

[@maliklowry1236]

Already my favorite Lion

[@evanwilliams2793]

here after the ejection, its becoming very aparent that we have the two best safties in football right now. if we get a healthy hutch and smith applying pressure next ssn we could be looking at at top defense and 97 and 32 fighting for DPOTY aswell

[@mch006]

Love BB!!! Dude is going to be a Lion for a long time! Him and Kirby back there is lethal! 🦁🦁🦁

[@bradbertram7596]

Heading into Week 5 as of this writing. Brian went down with what most of us thought was an ACL in Week 4, but appears to be an ankle injury. That said, this guy was the steal of the draft, and it's not even close. He's so intelligent, and plays with such ferocity. The defense is a completely different weapon when he's on the field. I like Gibbs and was good with the Campbell pick, but man Branch is an absolute wrecking ball. It's not every day when your 2nd round drafts make a bigger impact than your firsts, but man Branch and LaPorta are looking absolutely elite!

[@ggary04]

Crazy he makes that very same vertical deflection this week vs. the falcons.

[@carlosbernard5145]

This kid is quickly becoming a stud and one of my favorite players on our defense!

[@lenskididdlesplaysoverwatc3180]

I love watching Dan explain in depth to Sheila exactly what's happening. "This kid can make a difference, this is what we want to do to get him"

[@tristanwojtas7972]

I *bleepin* love this team, man.

[@tmoore4075]

A deal and pick that is looking better and better every game.

[@889976889]

I’m happy for the lions building something special they’re gonna be a contender for years to come. Maybe not a Super Bowl but I can definitely see them making the playoffs if they keep drafting & building well.

[@JeffWilliams-p1c]

No,no. SUPERBOWL. No maybe. Only ZUUL.

[@DaveintheD-p4s]

A phenomenal draft, four solid, if not sensational NFL players taken by the 45th pick, and then an array of great picks after that that all have the potential to become very good NFL players. Unreal.

[@courtlandbrady5847]

Young, Stroud, & Richardson are 3 of the best rookie QB's I have ever seen. Young, in my opinion, was drafted to the toughest situation for a rookie QB. Stroud 2nd. & Richardson 3rd. Stroud, I believe, has been the most impressive in a close race with AR15. I am a Texan's fan, me and my family are so greatful for the way things are looking up in Houston. Thank you GOD. No more boring Texan Football. We comin for it all!!!!!!!!!!

[@Charleybones]

brian Branch is going to be loved in Detroit. He is a great football player and will turn the Lions D fron 30th to top 10 in 2023.

[@Charleybones]

1 year later and my pediction was more true than efen I expected. GB's GM should be fired for this trade.

[@p0rn0saur]

Old here, like Billy Sims old. Brian Branch might be my fav

[@CorbyQ]

I can't wait for this season to start I'm so excited to see what this team can do

[@tomasmoeller8359]

BB is one helluva an addition for the lions

[@DR.DisInfect]

Another branch on the tree of the lions success

[@timnelcin8717]

😅

[@benhornstein1688]

Tom Grossi’s punching the air right now

[@Detroitsportstalk]

ONE HELL OF A SEASON BB

[@kraqah]

Branch started his first game last Sunday against the Falcons and had one of the most impressive games from a rookie DB in recent history. Hes going to be starting every game hes healthy for the next decade.

[@larryhealey6827]

Fun stuff to watch!

[@craigpridemore7566]

I love watching the workings of the draft room. it's not just 1 guy flying by the seat of his pants (do the initials MM mean anything to anybody?...). They discuss and debate and decide what they're willing to give to get what they want. Good team work!

[@mortalfilms313]

Thank You Greenbay

[@CoastalEddieinflames]

The ONLY 2nd Round Pick to show up to day 2 of the draft and walk that stage. This man believes in himself. Cares not what others think of him. This man, ....IS DETROIT. DETROIT VS EVERYONE.

[@thomaswatkins3686]

Yawn.

[@jordanjones7769]

Just checking back in after the Falcons game 🙂

[@andressandoval9043]

Where he shhhmacked Bijan lol that was a clean hit!

[@bigbabii3133]

The Art of The Deal❤

[@HapplePirate]

not a lions fan but branch was easily top 15 talent shouldve been a first.. he's a potential pro bowl and even all pro safety. just a football player through and through great cover guy who is a great tackler

[@laurenclark3150]

Branch is my favorite Lion

[@chadridgeway7171]

Queue the Tom Grossi video

[@Thatfeeling_knee]

My favorite player is already branch

[@davidbryce1985]

BB has been so great for the Lions D.

[@tracypayne2026]

Aged like fine wine.

[@frankribble4367]

After the Lions took Gibbs, I wanted Branch at every pick. I loved Jack Campbell enough to mock him in the 1st, but I was shocked 😲 that Brad did.

[@kryer981]

The Lions passed on Branch THREE TIMES. They would've been idiots to pass on him a fourth time.

[@scottcarter8864]

Loved Tom Grossi's reaction to this 😆

[@mikemo-qz7fn]

Watching this after his pick 6 makes me geeeek so hard smilin ear to ear

[@bobbo051]

They got a steal.

[@DJLiXxer]

Who’s back here after seeing BB smack the Texans 🙌🏽

[@jaynosowsky9708]

The fact that he is a top 15 pick!!! And nobody drafted him until the second round just blows my mind ...every team forgot about him!!! This is the ultimate steal in this year's draft!!! Maybe ever!!!!

[@thomaswatkins3686]

No. It happens. Nobody forgot about him. He ran a poor 40. That has killed many players.

[@dominicfrabotta565]

Tom /brady

[@jaynosowsky9708]

@thomaswatkins3686 who cares about poor 40...dude was a beast playing college ball. The rest of his combine was freaking amazing...him and Gonzales was the top 2 DB at the combine!! You watch tape to find great players not a 40

[@cutmeloosebruce1955]

@@jaynosowsky9708 fortunately for the Lions, a lot of GMs try to be too cute and care wayyy to much about things like 40 times and physical attributes and ignore the actual talent, production, and smart play that a lot of guys who get passed up on possess. Brad Holmes is not that guy thank God, but a lot of GMs are.

[@jaynosowsky9708]

@cutmeloosebruce1955 don't praise him too much , he drafts injured played that haven't be great!! Jamo might be his biggest bust.jamo couldn'tcatch a cold in Michiganweatherand no shirt on..then Pascal..everytime he get hit, he's on IR , then we have levi!! Hasn't played in two years ,and his back injury keeps him from being great...over rated 3rd third string player!!!

[@scg81790]

Tom Grossi FUMING seeing this

[@JeffWilliams-p1c]

It's fine. It's fine. It's fine. It's fine. It's fine. It's fine. Lol.

[@patrickprusinski4964]

really should have spliced in grossi's response

[@jayblaylock]

Today! What up DOE! LFG!

[@Billbranch-ps1to]

That post is about to be archived!!! ✌

[@iBMcFly]

Packers are gonna forever regret not scooping branch.

[@thomaswatkins3686]

Um. They picked after he was gone?

[@moistie]

​​@thomaswatkins3686 he was selected by the Lions with the pick the Packers traded to them.

[@iBMcFly]

@@thomaswatkins3686 packers fumbled the bag guy. They were in the clock one spot ahead of Detroit, in a position to take branch, and did a pick swap with the lions(the pack got a 5th round pick in addition) who moved up one spot and took branch. Packers fans who know football know that they…messed…up.

[@ront3333]

Yeah, this was a gift from our old friends in Green Bay.

[@TheBroadwaySpecial]

They got em a superstar

[@SeanP7195]

Wanna give us 159 for one of 14 guys we have graded as first rounder? Yes

[@connorgolden4]

lol drafting branch proved to be worth it in the first game lol

[@CompoundingTime]

Hey Lions. Thanks for Jayden Reed, Karl Brooks, and Dontayvion Wicks. Branch is a great player but I'll take 3 great players over 1. Pretty simple math :)

[@hermar3656]

K u enjoy your mid level players . Branch is gonna be a perineal all-pro

[@saddetroitfan]

you thought you ate with this comment huh 😂

[@ararefish123]

Lol who? Only one notable is Reed and he's just an average little slot type guy. I'd take branch over those 3 any day of the WEEK!

[@Chris-fg7bx]

3 great players 😂

[@dreambiggmedia]

Meanwhile this guy is about to be a all pro in year 2 😂

[@dyingearth]

Someone send this video to Tom Grossi.

[@spicyoctopus]

essentially gave up a 5th round pick for a pro-bowl caliber player is sick. Pick 152 or 159 inconsequential. Holmes is the man.

[@stevenespinal5939]

Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell the top of the pops!

[@dreambiggmedia]

Pay this man

[@HaLabra]

This aged well 😂who’s back here after beating the chiefs from this kids pick 6!!!!!

[@IAmTheeGamingGonzo]

With the way Martin is trending I feel like we have 5 starters with our first 5 pick

[@joelbosun2423]

here after vikings W

[@brokentubing]

Branch uproots everybody

[@apt7prod]

The packers are crazy for this trade

[@ronnelturner272]

Lions had the best draft 22

[@jombangjam2397]

Wow He score touchdown agains chief

[@Billbranch-ps1to]

I want this post archived. Detroit Lions will go 16 - 1. 🤔

[@BuckeyeHater]

Would be great but no.

[@Rogue-Blue]

Complete DAWG 😤

[@florida1289]

See this is where the 40 yard dash meant nothing

[@MannyMoreno34]

Tom grossi brought me here!

[@maliklowry1236]

Branch keeps receipts.