The Detroit Lions are regarded as Super Bowl contenders, with a roster filled with young talent on both offense and defense, largely due to general manager Brad Holmes’ successful drafting in recent years.
One of their notable draft successes was acquiring Brian Branch, a standout safety from the University of Alabama, in the second round of the 2023 draft at No. 45 overall. Branch made an immediate impact as a rookie, recording 74 tackles, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 13 pass breakups, one sack, and one forced fumble.
Despite Branch’s impressive debut, the Lions still need a veteran presence to complement him in the secondary following C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s move to the Philadelphia Eagles via free agency.
