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Alan Branch declares

my guy at #8 (i dont think guys like Russell, Peterson, or Thomas will be there)...D-Line could resemble one of the leagues best within a few years.
 
From Branch's announcement:

"The role of a defensive tackle isn't too gratifying," he said. "You're there to get pressure on the quarterback. But at the same time, you don't want to let go of somebody and let him get the linebacker, whose job is to make tackles. But I'm a team guy, so I don't really mind seeing the stats because my linebackers thank me every day."

Sounds like a 3-4 Nose tackle to me aka, Wilfork, Ngata and Washington.
 
Texian said:
Sounds like a 3-4 Nose tackle to me aka, Wilfork, Ngata and Washington.
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no, wrong body type....Branch is a heck of an athlete...pretty much a freak of size and speed ala Marcus Stroud. He would cover up the inside for DeMeco and is fast enough to pursue from side to side since he has above average athleticism.
 
Vinny said:
no, wrong body type....Branch is a heck of an athlete...pretty much a freak of size and speed ala Marcus Stroud. He would cover up the inside for DeMeco and is fast enough to pursue from side to side since he has above average athleticism.
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Even with all his athleticism his stats say Nose Tackle, (20 tackles). He is not a penetrator, he is a clogger. The Rose Bowl showed that very well.
 
he doesnt have to stay in a nose tackle...and we could use a two gap player in a 4-3...I've seen enough to know he isn't a Ted Washington or a Vince Wilfork type. There is lots of talk about using him as a DE in a 3-4 as well. I wouldn't sum up his entire career or future on one game.
 
Vinny said:
he doesnt have to stay in a nose tackle...and we could use a two gap player in a 4-3...I've seen enough to know he isn't a Ted Washington or a Vince Wilfork type. There is lots of talk about using him as a DE in a 3-4 as well. I wouldn't sum up his entire career or future on one game.
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Here is what Branch says about his grade from the NFL. If so #8 is to high a pick for Branch.

"I got my grade back and it said I was a solid first-rounder -- middle to late first round -- and it really did reinforce everything I've been hearing," he said. "It didn't really have that much pull in my decision, but it made me that much more confident."
 
Texian said:
Here is what Branch says about his grade from the NFL. If so #8 is to high a pick for Branch.

"I got my grade back and it said I was a solid first-rounder -- middle to late first round -- and it really did reinforce everything I've been hearing," he said. "It didn't really have that much pull in my decision, but it made me that much more confident."
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No prospect is told exactly where he is going to be drafted....especially in January. All I know is that he ten times the prospect that Travis Johnson is and he went mid round.
 
Vinny said:
he doesnt have to stay in a nose tackle...and we could use a two gap player in a 4-3...I've seen enough to know he isn't a Ted Washington or a Vince Wilfork type. There is lots of talk about using him as a DE in a 3-4 as well. I wouldn't sum up his entire career or future on one game.
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yeah...that's pretty unfair to do that, especially compared to his body of work. the marcus stroud comparison is interesting, as well as his lateral ability.
 
The one game I saw Branch this year, I was amazed by how fluid of an athlete he was for such a big man. I wouldn't be disappointed with him at 8. We need talented big men on both lines and he certainly qualifies...I love team first guys also.
 
Vinny said:
No prospect is told exactly where he is going to be drafted....especially in January. All I know is that he ten times the prospect that Travis Johnson is and he went mid round.
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Vinny, would you take him 8 if he was available?
 
awtysst said:
Vinny, would you take him 8 if he was available?
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Probably, but a case can be made for a few guys at 8 I think. He keeps Guards off DeMeco and its hard to double him and Mario both. He is an elite size/speed prospect for his position so I'd have to be sold on a heck of a prospect not to take him. Push up the middle flushes QB's to guys like Mario.
 
Vinny said:
Probably, but a case can be made for a few guys at 8 I think. He keeps Guards off DeMeco and its hard to double him and Mario both. He is an elite size/speed prospect for his position so I'd have to be sold on a heck of a prospect not to take him. Push up the middle flushes QB's to guys like Mario.
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I don't really see him making it to us. Of course nothing is a sure thing but I don't think we would be that lucky.
 
ledzeppelin269 said:
I don't really see him making it to us. Of course nothing is a sure thing but I don't think we would be that lucky.
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he won't last until 8. he has #1 pick tangibles and intangibles. i mentioned him in here 2 weeks ago in the context of the #1 pick, as a guy who will grade out at least as high as joe thomas, likely higher, but in a draft with some remarkable skill position players at the top.
 
i have read alot of chatter of him going to the Redskins with the #6 pick. apparently they are looking for D-Line help BAD. but that was before guys like russell and anderson declared and maybe pushed branch's position down a bit...hopefully. if anybody needs any help realizing what a game changing player a DT can be, look at Richard Seymour of NE. he was was drafted at #6 in the 2001 Draft...i'd take branch that high if he could do for the Houston D what Seymour did for NE.
 
Branch said the NFL said mid to late 1st RD, it agrees with everything he has been hearing. Also fits in with where Tommie Harris, Vince Wilfork and Haloti Ngata were drafted.
 
Texian said:
Sounds like a 3-4 Nose tackle to me aka, Wilfork, Ngata and Washington.
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Remember when the Ravens won the Super Bowl. They had Siragusa (spelling?) and Sam Adams as their DT's. Those guys were like having two nose tackles on the field at the same time. The occupied the offensive lineman, and Ray Lewis and the linebackers were free to roam the field and make plays without worrying about the offensive lineman.

We would need better linebackers to make this work, but you can use a nose tackle type player in a 4-3.
 
Texian said:
Branch said the NFL said mid to late 1st RD, it agrees with everything he has been hearing. Also fits in with where Tommie Harris, Vince Wilfork and Haloti Ngata were drafted.
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i think branch is being a bit modest, it seems like he is likely to be one of the top 1-2 DL players taken. but i am sure he doesnt want to pretend like he is an executive and overvalue himself.
 
texanfan2100 said:
Remember when the Ravens won the Super Bowl. They had Siragusa (spelling?) and Sam Adams as their DT's. Those guys were like having two nose tackles on the field at the same time. The occupied the offensive lineman, and Ray Lewis and the linebackers were free to roam the field and make plays without worrying about the offensive lineman.

We would need better linebackers to make this work, but you can use a nose tackle type player in a 4-3.
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True, but the Texans are not getting pressure on the QB. They don't need a run clogging DT. They need penetrating DTs like the 4-3 is designed for. That has been part of the problem with the Texans drafts in the past, drafting players who will play out of there natural position. Also it is easier to pick up a good penetrating DT (Coleman, Holliday) via FA than it is to find a premier DE. Pick up a good penetrating DT via FA draft Jamaal Anderson and the Texans have a 4 man front who can create great pressure the QB. Think of it as having Reggie White on one side and Julius Peppers on the other.
 
I've been reading alot about us taking D-line in the draft. It may not be my first choice but if that is the route and this kid drops, I think he will be a monster. 6'6, 330. He can clog the lanes to help Mario and others get into the backfield and he is athletic enough to make plays himself. Strong kid. Just my opinion. I've seen in some mocks that he may be around that 6-8 range. I know the Browns like him but I'm just throwing it out. Sorry if this is in more detail elsewhere.
 
i think it would be a smart move... some might say well that will be the fourth time we have taken a d linemen. Well, interior is one of our needs, and I think that Laron Landry isn't all that great after watching some film on him. I really think we should take the best player available when we get the oppurtunity to pick.

But about this kid... he is a monster and watching him on film he does do a very good job. I think with some work with his technique he could be a monster in the nfl.
 
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