Early in the offseason, there was talk the Detroit Lions would move Brian Branch to safety. A more versatile role was probably envisioned for him as a rookie last year, but he ended up mostly playing slot corner-and he did it very well.
The bolstering of the cornerback room the Lions did during the offseason fully opened the door for Branch to make the move to safety, and the overriding theory/expectation was the move would make him into an even more impactful playmaker for the Lions' defense.
Through Week 10 (nine games), Branch still lines up at multiple spots in the Lions' defense. But 43 percent of his snaps (191 out of 444, according to Pro Football Focus) have come lined up at free safety. He has 50 total tackles, four interceptions (he had three interceptions last year) and he has matched his 13 pass breakups from last year already.
Not surprisingly, Branch is PFF's highest-graded safety through Week 10, with unmatched top-three grades in every individual area (coverage, run defense, pass rush) at the position.
PFF accolade proves moving Brian Branch to safety was ideal move
If the Lions' cornerback play wasn't as improved as it has been, the move of Branch to safety may not be as much of a difference maker as it has been. But it has been a big difference maker for one player in the Lions' secondary.
PFF recently highlighted the most improved NFL position groups so far this season, in terms of the site's grades from 2023 to 20224. The NFC North has been a cradle of improved safety play this year, but the Lions' tandem got the edge as the most improved.
"The NFC North has experienced a safety renaissance in 2024, with the division possessing five of the top eight safeties in overall grade. Among their divisional rivals, though, the Lions stand out:Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph have been the two best at their position in all of football, with each reaching a 90.6 overall grade or better and tacking on at least an 88.6 coverage grade. Joseph’s improvement from a 56.5 overall grade renders him one of the biggest risers around the league, regardless of position."
As great as Branch has been, Kerby Joseph is right behind him as PFF's second-highest overall graded safety through Week 10.
Joseph is tied leads the league with six interceptions, with the No. 1 PFF coverage grade among safeties and a top-25 run defense grade. His eight breakups match his total from his 2022 rookie season, and he's well on-pace to top last year's 11 pass breakups.
The best players make those around them better, and Branch has clearly done that for Joseph. That is not meant to discount Joseph's talent, or the growth he has shown this season. But having Branch alongside him has created one of the best safety tandems in the league (if not the best). No further proof is needed to show how much moving Branch to safety was a savvy decision.