PFF grades are commonplace in the circle of content life at Lions Wire. As the mid-point of the season approaches, we again are leaning on PFF to show us a deeper analysis of the season. The analytics site recently released their list of the top rookies so far this season and a certain young Lion playmaker made the list.
Despite missing the last two weeks, defensive back Brian Branch was able to come in, ranking 14th overall among rookies.
At No. 14 overall and eighth among defensive players specifically, Branch has proven that he was worthy of going much higher in April’s draft. It was seen at the time as too far a drop for one of the best players in college football and his performances against the best of the Lions schedule backs that sentiment up.
In the article posted by PFF, they said about Branch that “while he may have lost his footing a bit this past week, he still boasts a fantastic resume. Branch has produced nine stops in coverage this season, tied for fourth-most by a corner in the league. This has helped contribute to his 77.0 grade, the fourth-best mark in the rookie class.”
Through five games this year, outside of the PFF side of things, Branch has made plays resulting in one interception, four pass deflections, and one defensive touchdown. The rookie will look to make his next set of plays in primetime against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night.
