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Detroit Lions president Rod Wood throws shade at NFL officiating

Rod Wood throws shade at NFL officiating during the league meetings in Orlando.

Detroit Lions new uniforms to be revealed before 2024 NFL Draft

Rod Wood just announced when the Detroit Lions new uniforms will be unveiled.

Cameron Sutton was at Detroit Lions team facility when he learned of arrest warrant

Cameron Sutton was at Detroit Lions team facility when the news broke.

Detroit Lions TRADE UP select S Brian Branch with No. 45 pick

Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft is officially underway, and heading into the day, the Detroit Lions had three picks in Round 2. After selecting TE Sam LaPorta with the No. 34 overall pick, the Lions traded up with the Green Bay Packers before making their second pick of the day. The Lions have selected S Brian Branch with the No. 45 overall pick. The Lions’ next pick will come at No. 55, barring any trades.

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Key Points

  • Heading into the day, the Detroit Lions had the No. 34, 48, and 55 picks in Round 2
  • The Detroit Lions sent No. 48 and No. 159 to the Packers to move to No. 45
  • Brian Branch is headed to Detroit with the No. 45 pick

Scouting Report

Here is what Dane Brugler has to say about Brian Branch:

A three-year starter at Alabama, Branch played the “star” nickel position in head coach Nick Saban’s multiple scheme, lining up against the slot and playing in the box (the same role Minkah Fitzpatrick popularized). An extension of Saban on the field, the coaches gradually added to his plate, and he was always up to the task, finishing the 2022 season as the only FBS player with 90-plus tackles, 14.0-plus tackles for loss and at least two interceptions (only Alabama defender with multiple interceptions in 2022). Equally athletic and physical, Branch has terrific short area quickness with the pattern recognition and run/pass anticipation to match up in a variety of ways. Though you wish he was bigger, his lack of size wasn’t a deterrent on tape, and he posted a high batting average as a tackler in college (an
elite 2.3 percent missed tackle rate at Alabama). Overall, Branch might not have elite size/speed measurables, but he is above average in almost every other category NFL teams covet with his well-rounded game to run, cover and tackle. He projects as a starting nickel in the NFL and offers hybrid versatility across the secondary, similar in ways to Miami’s Jevon Holland.

Detroit Lions’ remaining picks

  • Round 2, Pick 55
  • Round 5, Pick 152
  • Round 5, Pick 168
  • Round 6, Pick 183
  • Round 6, Pick 194

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W.G. Brady
W.G. Brady is a Detroit-based journalist who has been covering the Detroit sports scene for Detroit Sports Nation for several years. He is in his early 30s and has a wealth of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, W.G. has established himself as a respected and knowledgeable journalist known for his in-depth coverage of the teams and athletes in Detroit. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for sports, W.G. has become a go-to source for fans and readers looking for the latest news and analysis on the Detroit sports scene. He has a good reputation in the sports community and is respected for his unbiased coverage of sports events. W.G. is known for his ability to uncover hidden stories and provide unique perspectives on the teams and athletes he covers. He has a good understanding of the city of Detroit and its sports culture, which he uses to inform his reporting and analysis. He continues to be a respected journalist in the Detroit sports industry.

Detroit Lions president Rod Wood throws shade at NFL officiating

Rod Wood throws shade at NFL officiating during the league meetings in Orlando.

Detroit Lions new uniforms to be revealed before 2024 NFL Draft

Rod Wood just announced when the Detroit Lions new uniforms will be unveiled.

Cameron Sutton was at Detroit Lions team facility when he learned of arrest warrant

Cameron Sutton was at Detroit Lions team facility when the news broke.