 Alan
Branch
Defensive Tackle,
Michigan
Height: 6'6" | Weight: 330
Positives:
When it comes to the eyeball test, Branch certainly
gets the highest of grades. He is a massive, space-eating
Defensive Tackle. His girth is extraordinary and he
consistently commands double teams. The attention drawn
to Branch has allowed the players around him (i.e. Lamar
Woodley and Rondell Biggs) to flourish. Statistics do
not begin to serve as a barometer for Branch's production;
he was probably the most important factor for a Michigan
defense that ranked first against run, nationally. He
consistently uses good leverage and brute strength to
drive opposing lineman backward. For a man his size,
he possesses good athleticism. He has quick feet and
does a pretty good job exploding off of the line. Though
he didn't notch an incredible amount of tackles, he
is dependable and has good wrap-up ability.
Negatives:
Given his size, Branch sometimes struggles to stay on
the field all game. He occasionally becomes too winded
to stay in on long drives. He also lacks the ideal explosiveness
of a Defensive Tackle, especially for a Nose Guard in
a 3-4 scheme. At this point, his best move is his bull
rush and he really lacks an array of moves to get to
the Quarterback. He must be faster and more willing
to use his long arms to his advantage. In order to be
a more complete player at the next level, he will need
to improve his ability to shed blocks.
Overall:
A junior, Branch enters the 2007 Draft with considerable
hype. He possesses incredible size and strength which
cannot be taught. Barring a dramatic change in stock,
he should be taken in the top half of the first-round.
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