• Carter Landis
• Updated:
  Oct 26, 2023 11:53 AM EDT
  Original:
  Oct 26, 2023

The Las Vegas Raiders will try to get back in the win column when they take on the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday Night Football.

The Raiders and Lions have each played their fair share of prime-time games this season, and this will be each team’s third appearance on national television.

The biggest stars usually show up in prime-time games, but one player coming up big in his first season for the Lions has been rookie defensive back Brian Branch, a second-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft for whom the Lions traded up.

Branch was considered a sure-fire first-round selection in the class but fell out of the top 32 picks. General Manager Brad Holmes traded a lower second-round pick and a fifth-round pick to move to No. 45 overall to select Branch.

So far, Branch has been playing like a first-round talent for the Lions’ defense. Coming out of Alabama, Branch played a lot of safety, but he has played all over the field in his first few games in Detroit.

According to Pro Football Focus, Branch has played most of his snaps as a slot cornerback while also lining up some as a box safety and an outside cornerback. His versatility in the defensive backfield has unlocked a new level for the Lions’ defense.

So far this season, despite missing two games, Branch has posted 27 total tackles, four tackles for losses, four passes defended and a pick-six against the Kansas City Chiefs in his NFL debut.

What stands out about Branch is his football IQ. When watching his tape, he is always in the right place, making a play on the football. At Alabama, he was the player Coach Nick Saban gave the most responsibility in the secondary and he delivered.

In only five games this season, Branch has significantly impacted the Lions’ defense and looks like he could be a core part of their future. For a Raiders team that is struggling offensively, facing a defense with an infusion of young talent, including Branch, will be..