Detroit Lions’ Brian Branch is Eyeing a New Role as Safety After Impressive Rookie Season
There’s been plenty of speculation through the offseason about the Detroit Lions repositioning Brian Branch from his nickel cornerback spot to safety. After a standout rookie season, the idea seemed risky initially, but significant changes in the cornerback roster have now made this transition more plausible.
Branch, who is bouncing back from ankle surgery, has yet to showcase his capabilities at safety in the context of the Lions’ newly formed secondary. During the last season, including the playoffs, he only took 34 snaps at free safety as per Pro Football Focus statistics. However, having been promptly removed from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as training camp commenced, Branch’s full-scale return is highly anticipated, especially with padded practices beginning next Monday.
Detroit Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell has suggested that Branch’s impact could be greater at safety—an intriguing notion that’s gaining traction.
In a media session after Saturday’s practice, Branch revealed his thoughts on shifting to safety, a position that seems to suit him considering his brief stints last year, “I believe last year I played a little bit of safety, especially early and a bit late in the season. I just feel like A.G.
(Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator) designs his defense so that safeties can really make plays,” Branch explained, citing a report from SI.com’s John Maakaron. “You’re farther back from the line of scrimmage, which allows you to move more freely and have a better chance at impacting the play.
I’m honestly excited about it.”
Branch openly admitted his wish to have played more at safety during his initial year.
Reflecting on his recovery and upcoming practice schedule, Branch is optimistic about his progress and is aiming to join practices in full gear by the end of the next week, according to 97.1 The Ticket. This upcoming period will be crucial for the Lions and for Branch as he explores a potentially pivotal new role in Detroit’s defensive lineup.