Tonight (3/29) on NFL Network: Alan Branch

[Beemnseven]

For those who haven't seen him, NFL Network is running a close up look at Michigan's Alan Branch at 6:30 EST. Hopefully it answers all the questions people have about him.

Of course, it may not matter to the Redskins anymore if the Briggs trade goes down.

God help you if you don't have NFL Network.

[MTK]

I really don't know how I managed to get by without NFLN.

[dmek25]

will anyone who watches this let me know what they think? i have to work tonight

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by dmek25

will anyone who watches this let me know what they think? i have to work tonight

If you have a chance to catch today's "Path to the Draft" you'll see it.

There actually wasn't much new that we haven't heard here. The two draft experts for NFL Network, Charles Davis and Mike Mayock have him rated below Amobi Okoye who they apparently believe is the best defensive tackle this year. They talked about how that should provide the motivation he needs. Said his overall talent still puts him in the top half of the first round at worst.

In three seasons, he had 9 sacks and 18 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. According to this report, he seems to be the type of DT that draws the double teams, occupies blockers and clogs things up. Then, in what sounded like the best compliment they gave him, they said his play paved the way for two other teammates in the Michigan front seven (considered the best in college football in '06), LaMarr Woodley (DE) and David Harris (ILB), to really stand out and make plays.

He also likes to breakdance.

I think the question for the Redskins is, would he give us a good compliment next to Cornelius Griffin? Or is Griffin the same type of D-tackle that absorbs more than he penetrates? If so, I'm not sure you want two of the same prototypes in the middle -- somebody has to be able to collapse the pocket. Maybe the better guy in that sense is Amobi Okoye.

That all assumes they stay with the #6 pick though -- and who the hell knows at this point.

[EXoffender]

I like Branch. Look at the stats for everyone else on his DL. He'll make everyone rack up stats.

[Tha Posse]

Well God help me then, i don't have it. I live in Hagerstown, Md and the cable company here -Antietam Cable- doesn't have it. I miss Comcast!

[sportscurmudgeon]

I would not draft Branch at #6. I fact, I might not draft Branch until the bottom of the first round.

When I watched Michigan play I saw Branch on the ground and giving ground to blockers far too often. Don't just focus on his highlight reels; those are always good plays; I just don't think there enough of them to make up for the plays where he was knocked to the ground. The Skins have plenty of DTs who can do that; that's what they need to replace!

[Beemnseven]

With the way teams are in love with highly touted defensive tackles -- even those whose stock is supposedly falling -- I still think Branch won't last past #15. Okoye seems likely to go first, hopefully to the Redskins at #6.

From what I've heard as the draft experts keep yapping from here until April 28th, Branch probably won't offer much by himself, lined up with another bum along the defensive line. But if you've already got one firecracker in the middle, Branch might just be the type of guy who can set other players loose. Sometimes, a player's best attribute is that he makes the other ten guys better than they were before.

[tazhog]

Originally Posted by EXoffender

I like Branch. Look at the stats for everyone else on his DL. He'll make everyone rack up stats.

Nice Post I agree... Remember Dave Butz? A Big, Big Man who occupied the middle... I know Branch has alot to do before he can be compared to Mr. Butz! But, I'd give this kid the chance to prove himself! Hopefully it's in Burgundy and Gold...