After a strong rookie season in the slot, the Detroit Lions are aiming for defensive back Brian Branch to take on a bigger role in his second year. Specifically, the Lions hope Branch can play more at safety, if not exclusively, despite his limited snaps at the position in 2023.
Detroit is thin behind Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu, so adding Branch to the safety lineup could provide more depth. Lions defensive assistant Jim O’Neil mentioned that Branch might play both in the slot and at safety, or possibly just at safety.
“Last year, they were more cautious with BB (Branch), keeping him mostly at one position. Now, in his second year, we plan to be more aggressive with his role,” O’Neil said, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. “He’s the type of player you want on the field for all three downs, so we’ll push him towards that. However, he still needs to earn the job in training camp.”
O’Neil praised Branch’s rookie performance and expressed optimism about his potential growth. “He played well as a rookie. Now, the question is whether he can take the next step as a second-year player, possibly as a full-time safety or a hybrid safety/nickel. We’ll figure that out in training camp.”
The Lions have more flexibility with Branch due to significant additions to their secondary, including free-agent Amik Robertson and draft pick Ennis Rakestraw, who can both play in the slot. Robertson has been practicing there while Branch recovers from an offseason procedure, though he’s expected to be ready for training camp.
A clearer picture of Branch’s role should emerge during training camp.
Specifically, the Lions hope Branch can play more at safety, if not exclusively, despite his limited snaps at the position in 2023.
Detroit is thin behind Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu, so adding Branch to the safety lineup could provide more depth. Lions defensive assistant Jim O’Neil mentioned that Branch might play both in the slot and at safety, or possibly just at safety.
“Last year, they were more cautious with BB (Branch), keeping him mostly at one position. Now, in his second year, we plan to be more aggressive with his role,” O’Neil said, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. “He’s the type of player you want on the field for all three downs, so we’ll push him towards that. However, he still needs to earn the job in training camp.”
O’Neil praised Branch’s rookie performance and expressed optimism about his potential growth. “He played well as a rookie. Now, the question is whether he can take the next step as a second-year player, possibly as a full-time safety or a hybrid safety/nickel. We’ll figure that out in training camp.”
The Lions have more flexibility with Branch due to significant additions to their secondary, including free-agent Amik Robertson and draft pick Ennis Rakestraw, who can both play in the slot. Robertson has been practicing there while Branch recovers from an offseason procedure, though he’s expected to be ready for training camp.
A clearer picture of Branch’s role should emerge during training camp.
