Steelers defense becomes even scarier following PFF's new prediction
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently lost Terrell Edmunds to the Eagles in free agency, placing a void on a defense that rebounded nicely in 2022, following a sub-standard 2021 campaign. With Minkah Fitzpatrick still playing traffic cop over the middle, the team will need a versatile thumper that can play near the line of scrimmage or […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently lost Terrell Edmunds to the Eagles in free agency, placing a void on a defense that rebounded nicely in 2022, following a sub-standard 2021 campaign.
With Minkah Fitzpatrick still playing traffic cop over the middle, the team will need a versatile thumper that can play near the line of scrimmage or roam the high post as needed.
Well in PFF's latest set of day-two fits for every franchise, the Steelers go to the Alabama defensive backfield and make a selection that would allow them to become the best defense in the league in my opinion.
Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
Branch is one of my favorite prospects in this class, he played the "star" position in Nick Saban's defense, one that current Steeler Minkah Fitzpatrick played as well.
This position is one of the most acclaimed roles in college football as it speaks to the versatility and athleticism that a prospect has.
Saban asks these players to be safeties on one snap, nickel corners on another, and dime linebacker in sub packages or obvious passing situations.
That takes a player willing and able to learn the structure of all things Saban, yet athletic enough to do what's required of each independent position.
Branch was once touted as a potential first-round pick, but in my opinion some overthink is occurring following his NFL Combine performance.
At 6'0 and 190 pounds, Branch only ran a 4.58 and scored 24th amongst defensive back prospects in athleticism score during his workout in Indianapolis.
So yes, would I be concerned about a corner that runs nearly a 4.6 and doesn't blow your socks off in terms of testing?
If he was played on island, then yes.
But that's not Branch's game. Instead, he would replace the hole left by Edmunds, not with sheer athleticism, but will some of the best instincts and football intelligence in this class, regardless of position.
Football is about playing fast, especially on defense. But that doesn't mean you have to be a burner.
Sure you would love to have a bunch of sub 4.4 guys playing with their hair on fire, but if you can see it, you can do it, and Branch's read and react skills make up for his median-grade athleticism.
Mike Renner of PFF seems to agree with my vision of Branch on the Steelers defense, saying the following when placing him as the best day-two fit for Pittsburgh:
Branch played the role in Alabama’s defense once filled at a high level by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, said Renner. And he played it at nearly an identical level, too, with an 89.5 overall grade last fall. Having two safeties who are that versatile would open up a lot of creative opportunities for Mike Tomlin’s defense.
Branch is still slated at 23 on the consensus board, but let's hope teams are also overreacting to his pre-draft evaluations and the Steelers scoop him up at pick 32.
