Without a question, the Detroit Lions are grateful that defensive back Brian Branch was still available for them to select in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft at No. 45 overall.
However, Branch stated on December 6 that, at that point, he never imagined he would still be on the draft board. Branch revealed that the Washington Commanders misled him into thinking he would be selected when they made their mid-round selection. This occurred during a social media conversation on NFL Network.
According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, “the team I for sure thought was going to get me was the Commanders at No. 16,” Branch stated. “I had the impression that they were going to grab me if I was still available at sixteen.
However, it seems that you can never trust someone else’s word. You must allow it to unfold. However, everything has a purpose. I’m happy that Detroit is my home.
The Commanders selected cornerback Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall in lieu of Branch.
Forbes’ debut season with Washington has not gone well. In 10 games, he has racked up 27 total tackles, including 2 for loss, 10 pass defenses, and 1 interception.
Meanwhile, Branch has posted 7 pass defenses, 2 interceptions, including 1 he returned for a touchdown. He also has 58 combined tackles, including 7 tackles for loss.
