Packers.com has consulted more than two dozen mock drafts from reputable national outlets and compiled a list of players most frequently mocked as draft selections in the middle portion of the first round (picks 10-20) who could fit Green Bay's potential roster needs.
Between now and draft day, when the Packers own the No. 15 overall selection in the first round, those players will be profiled with thumbnail sketches and videos known as "Prospect Primers."
Today's player is …
Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Height/Weight: 6-0, 190
Key stats: Recorded 90 tackles last season, including 14 for loss and three sacks, to go with seven pass breakups, two interceptions, and a punt returned for a touchdown. Had 23 pass breakups total over three seasons for Crimson Tide.
College honors: Chosen second-team All-America by the Associated Press in 2022, when his coaches named him Alabama's defensive player of the week seven times.
Background/other info: Started mostly at the nickel spot for Alabama and projects as a strong safety in the NFL with plenty of positional versatility. Is considered the top safety prospect in this draft class. Played in a total of 40 games (23 starts) for the Crimson Tide, becoming a regular and part-time starter as a true freshman in 2020. Finished his college career with a flourish, recording a career-high 12 tackles, including four for loss and one sack, plus an interception in the Sugar Bowl vs. Kansas State. Praised by scouts for his football smarts and seen as an early-impact player as a pro. Comes from Sandy Creek High School in Fayetteville, Ga., the same school that produced Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson and where Branch played both ways and set the program's career record for interceptions.
