Brian Branch of Alabama is considered one of the top cornerback prospects in this year's draft. He's also one of the top safeties.
And to juggle the lineup a little more, one prominent publication has projected Branch as a nickel corner in the first round of his mock draft.
Versatility is a valuable trait. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell speaks often about the value of players who can play more than one position.
Someone else who values it is Branch. He complied impressive statistics in the 40 games he played at Alabama. He wants to bring his versatility to the NFL – at whatever position teams want him to play.
"I can play anywhere in the back end," Branch said in his Combine interview. "I'm comfortable anywhere in the back end, and able to do it at a high level.
"I think my versatility is a great selling point for the NFL. Let them know – wherever they want me, I can play there."
Following is a preview of the 2023 safety draft strength, the Lions' depth and draft priority at the position, and five prospects who could interest the Lions.
View photos of the top safety prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Alabama linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (10) and defensive lineman DJ Dale (94) celebrate with defensive back Brian Branch (14) after his interception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Austin Peay, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama defensive back Brian Branch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Texas A&M defensive back Antonio Johnson (27) lines up against Sam Houston State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Antonio Johnson runs drills during the Texas A&M football pro day Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Georgia defensive back Christopher Smith gestures during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Columbia, Mo. Christopher Smith was selected to The Associated Press All-America team released Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File)
Georgia defensive back Christopher Smith runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama defensive back Jordan Battle (9) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama defensive back Jordan Battle runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Ohio State safety Ronnie Hickman (14) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Ohio State defensive back Ronnie Hickman plays against Iowa during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown (16) runs up the field after an interception against Utah during the second half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Penn State defensive back Ji'Ayir Brown runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is upended by Florida State defensive back Jammie Robinson (10) on a carry in the second half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022. Florida State won 24-23. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Florida State defensive back Jammie Robinson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Safety draft strength: It's an average year.
Lions' safety depth, draft priority: The Lions are solid at safety if Tracy Walker III returns from an Achilles injury to team with 2022 rookie Kerby Joseph and free agent signee C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
Five prospects who could interest the Lions:
(40-yard dash times are from Combine and Pro Day workouts as available.)
1. Brian Branch, Alabama:
6-0, 190. 4.58 40.
Three-year player, 40 games, 111 solo tackles with 19.5 tackles for loss.
Bottom line: Branch also has the ability to play cornerback. He had four career interceptions and 27 passes defended – nine in each season.
2. Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M:
6-2, 198. 4.52 40.
A three-year player, 28 games played. Had 164 career tackles with 97 solos, eight passes defended and 14 tackles for loss.
Bottom line: At 6-2, used his range to make 14 career tackles for loss.
3. Christopher Smith, Georgia:
5-11, 192. 4.62 40.
A five-year player (2018-2022), with 57 games played, Smith had six career interceptions – three in each of the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Bottom line: The fifth season was his best – 45 solo tackles, three interceptions and eight passes defended.
4. Jordan Battle, Alabama:
6-1, 209. 4.55 40.
Played 54 games in four seasons. He had six interceptions, and returned three of them for TDs – two of them in 2021.
Bottom line: Credited with 252 career tackles, with 141 of them solos.
5. Ronnie Hickman Jr., Ohio State:
6-0 1/2, 203.
Three-year player, with five games played in 2020 and 13 in each of 2021 and 2022. All 26 starts were in his last two seasons. Had 82 solo tackles, with 26 in 2022.
Bottom line: After spending his rookie season as a lightly used backup, Hickman moved into a starting role in 2021 and took advantage to start his last two seasons.
