For those who want to trade up for Branch

[big dog cowboy]

I do not want to trade up for Branch. In fact, I hope he is gone before we pick so we won't be tempted to take him.

 

[Chuck 54]

Did I miss something? I didn't know anyone wanted to move up for Branch...seems crazy to me.

 

[doomsday81]

He's lazy, argues with his coaches, and is somewhat of a career underachiever

No thanks

You just described every player to ever come out of Michigan. Lloyd Carr is a terrible coach and everyone knows it. All his players argue with him because he's a jerk. I think Branch is a monster on the field personally but if you disagree about his play, that's fine. However, don't pretend like you interviewed him personally and know what kind of person he is. Oh and if you are getting this info from some draft site other than NFL Draft Scout, they know about as much as you do about the personal side of these players. Branch won't get past the Dolphins at No. 9. Trust me.

And ask Notre Dame and Wisconsin how lazy he is. They're still trying to block Branch. If the Cowboys somehow got this guy, fans should get on their knees and thank the good lord above. I would advise watching Michigan game film from the last two years because if Branch is considered lazy, I want to see the prospect who is giving his all.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

No doubt about anything you said, but what about the difference between intensity and effort?

Or do you mean like ABQ said -- the difference between intensity and appearance of intensity (a la Merroidman and the sack seizure)?

that's what I mean, but scouts don't even want Branch to act like Merriman after a sack, just to show more life than he does, he came off pretty listless in interviews

 

[doomsday81]

OK, well, please do me the favor of discontinuing this little display. I don't want you to waste your best stuff on me as evidenced by your last.

Simple question for you. Have you ever watched Branch play? If so, tell me, in your own limited way, which games you saw him dog it in. Tell me which games you saw him get outplayed.

I can tell you that from the NFL personnel guys I talked to, they totally agree with you. All this stuff is a pre-draft smoke screen. I know of three teams picking in the top 10 that love Branch. He's an elite player and will get drafted high. My bet is no one answered your question because they never saw Branch take a play off in his life. I watched five entire Michigan games and he wasn't blocked in any of them. He completely destroyed every double team that came his way. People just hear something and run with it. No way a 325 monster defensive tackle gets out of the top 10. And don't be surprised if a team like the Jets trades up to get him. I know for a fact that Mangini is drooling over him and wants Branch to anchor the middle of his 3-4 defense.

 

[IndianaCowboyFan]

Lloyd Carr is a terrible coach and everyone knows it.

Most all the people on the Purdue Rivals forum will agree with this assessment, myself included.

 

[burmafrd]

I watched Branch in about 6-8 games the last 2 years. Against ND, OSU, Iowa and the bowl games. Never really impressed me that much. Not someone that I would spend a first on- maybe a LATE (25 and above) first.
I see him and think Gabe Watson part deux.