Alabama Defensive Back Declares for NFL Draft

Alabama defensive back Brian Branch has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.

"I thank Coach Saban and the entire Alabama football coaching staff for believing in me and helping me elevate my game, wrote Branch. "To all of my teammates, I'm grateful to have been able to compete with each of you over the years night in and night out. We've created a bond that can never be broken and I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish together."

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The junior had a career-best season this past year, recording 90 total tackles (58 solo, 32 assisted), 14 tackled for loss for 56 yards, three sacks, two interceptions, nine passes defended, and one punt returned for a touchdown.

Branch led the defense in interceptions as well as had the second-most solo tackles and tackles for loss, the third-most total tackles, and the fourth-most assisted tackles and sacks this season.

"I've developed so much since my freshman year and because of Alabama, I'm confident that I'm prepared to take my game to the next level," wrote Branch. "After thoughtful conversations with my family and coaches, I have decided to forgo my senior year and enter the 2023 NFL Draft."

Branch is the fourth player to declare on Monday, joining Bryce Young, Will Anderson, and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Branch is projected to be a first-round draft pick.