Brian Branch likes playmaking opportunities playing safety will give him

The additions the Lions made at cornerback this offseason paved the way for Brian Branch to be moved to safety. In Week 1 against the Rams. he played every defensive snap in the game, but still mixed in at nickel corner (19 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus) and was used around the formation.

On Thursday Branch joked about getting used to play that much.

"I've gotta get used to that, too," Branch said. "Playing all those snaps is no joke."

When asked when the last time he played every snap in a game was, Branch did mention playing every snap (or close to it) in a few games as a rookie last season. He played every snap in three games, and he played 90 percent or more the Lions' defensive snaps in four other games (including the playoffs).

Branch had seven total tackles against the Rams, with a tackle for loss and three pass breakups. He did have a couple missed tackles early, and an interception he couldn't corral. He immediately apologized to head coach Dan Campbell for those missed tackles.

Brian Branch looking forward to plenty of playmaking opportunities at safety

During the offseason, Branch consistently stated how he was looking forward to all aspects of his looming new role. On Thursday, he re-stated his preference for playing safety.

"I like it better," Branch said. "It gives me a chance to really like go make more plays on the ball in the deep part of the field. I just have to get used to tackling in open space. I feel like that's one of my things I need to work on back there. But overall, I like it back there."

Branch was an immediate all-around playmaker in the Lions' secondary last year, when one was really needed (74 total tackles, 13 pass breakups, seven tackles for loss, three interception, one sack). Playing safety will allow him to see more, react to more and make impactful plays in a different role after playing slot corner predominantly over the course of his rookie year.

Week 1's ups and downs in a new role could have been expected, and Branch knows better is coming.

"It's only up from here," he said. "It's only up from here."