Brian Branch
DB, Alabama · 2023 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #45 (DET)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age. Details below.
The 2023 class is only 3 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #30 (#1 at his position), close to where he went (#45).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Alabama: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.58 40-yard dash at 190 lbs: faster than 15% of DBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DB (DB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.7% of the time (1,116 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 43 of ~51 possible regular-season games from 2023 through 2025 (~84%).
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 43 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 3 |
| Pro Bowls | 1 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 15 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 0.3 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 15.3 |
| Defense | 177 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 7 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2025 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2023 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2023 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 | |
| Position DB | 50.7% n=1,116 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 0", 190 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.58 s |
| Bench press | 14 reps |
| Vertical | 34.5" |
| Broad jump | 125" |
| Arm / hand | 30.75" / 9.5" |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #30 overall (#1 DB) |
Picked around him 2023 redraft
| 42 | Luke Musgrave | redraft #127 |
| 43 | Joe Tippmann | redraft #31 |
| 44 | Julius Brents | redraft #133 |
| 46 | Keion White | redraft #65 |
| 47 | Quan Martin | redraft #69 |
| 48 | Cody Mauch | redraft #32 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.