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aside from him being a pussy...
Alan Branch
DT, Michigan
War Room analysis
Against the run: Consistently clogs the middle. Sheds one-on-one blocks and makes tackles at the line of scrimmage. Holds his ground against double-teams to keep linebackers clean to make the play. When staying low, can use hands well to jolt blockers, hold his ground and clog the hole or make the tackle. Grade: 9.0
Pass rush: When bull rushing aggressively, can drive linemen into the quarterback's lap and finish sacks with one arm. Lacks burst off the snap to shoot gaps. Has no real moves other than the bull rush. Gets hands up to tip passes when not close enough to hit the quarterback. Grade: 6.5
Initial quickness: Is good at getting set and taking on blocks at the line of scrimmage. Lacks the explosiveness to shoot gaps and penetrate the backfield consistently. Grade: 6.5
Run/pass recognition: Identifies plays quickly, and then locates the ball. Despite good instincts, doesn't make much of an impact against the pass. Grade: 8.0
Pursuit/tackling: Plays surprisingly fast to chase down running backs between the tackles, but lacks the elite speed to make plays toward the sidelines. Is strong, and has long arms to tackle well. Can pull ballcarriers to the ground even when in bad position. Grade: 8.0
Bottom line: Branch, a junior, has uncommon strength, athleticism and competitiveness. He is sure to be a high pick but will not fit every type of defense. He can clog two gaps and would be an ideal nose tackle, either in a 4-3 scheme that uses one or more likely in a 3-4 defense. However, Branch would not be as effective on a defense that asks its tackles to shoot gaps and make a lot of plays.
DT, Michigan
War Room analysis
Against the run: Consistently clogs the middle. Sheds one-on-one blocks and makes tackles at the line of scrimmage. Holds his ground against double-teams to keep linebackers clean to make the play. When staying low, can use hands well to jolt blockers, hold his ground and clog the hole or make the tackle. Grade: 9.0
Pass rush: When bull rushing aggressively, can drive linemen into the quarterback's lap and finish sacks with one arm. Lacks burst off the snap to shoot gaps. Has no real moves other than the bull rush. Gets hands up to tip passes when not close enough to hit the quarterback. Grade: 6.5
Initial quickness: Is good at getting set and taking on blocks at the line of scrimmage. Lacks the explosiveness to shoot gaps and penetrate the backfield consistently. Grade: 6.5
Run/pass recognition: Identifies plays quickly, and then locates the ball. Despite good instincts, doesn't make much of an impact against the pass. Grade: 8.0
Pursuit/tackling: Plays surprisingly fast to chase down running backs between the tackles, but lacks the elite speed to make plays toward the sidelines. Is strong, and has long arms to tackle well. Can pull ballcarriers to the ground even when in bad position. Grade: 8.0
Bottom line: Branch, a junior, has uncommon strength, athleticism and competitiveness. He is sure to be a high pick but will not fit every type of defense. He can clog two gaps and would be an ideal nose tackle, either in a 4-3 scheme that uses one or more likely in a 3-4 defense. However, Branch would not be as effective on a defense that asks its tackles to shoot gaps and make a lot of plays.
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