Michigan DT Alan Branch appears to be slipping

[Goldenrichards83]

March 17 (12:01 AM): DTs on the move… There is a bit of a buzz around the NFL that there is some movement going on in the 2007 draft DT class. In particular, Michigan DT Alan Branch appears to be slipping on draft boards around the league. The 324-pound junior’s number at the combine were actually pretty good as he ran a very respectable 40 time of 5.07 and had 33 reps pressing 225 pounds. Branch, though, reportedly didn’t come across very well in the interview process; Gil Brandt also reports in his pro day update at NFL.com that some scouts thought Branch looked out of shape at Friday’s on-campus workout in Ann Arbor. That combined with the fact that there have been concerns that Branch has a sometimes inconsistent motor on the field has teams with top 10 picks taking a second look at Branch and for now it appears that Louisville’s Amobi Okoye may have replaced Branch as the #1 DT on most draft boards around the NFL. At the same time, it appears that Tennessee DT Justin Harrell may be making a move up into the latter part of this year’s opening round. And that’s probably where Harrell would have been today had he not been forced to miss the second half of the season with a torn biceps muscle. Harrell didn’t hurt his status, though when he played in the Florida game despite the injury; the 6-4, 300-pound Harrell, who ran his 40 in Indianapolis in a solid 5.04. As such we have updated our ranking of this year’s top DTs as well as the GBN Big Board ranking of the top 150 prospects for the 2007 drafthttp ://www.gbnreport.com/

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Gabe Watson part II?

 

[big dog cowboy]

While that is somewhat interesting, I don't see that impacting the Dallas Cowboys any at all.

 

[AMERICAS_FAN]

While that is somewhat interesting, I don't see that impacting the Dallas Cowboys any at all.

On the contrary, the DT position is - or at least should be - the top priority of Dallas' draft strategy. That's because we need a nose-tackle. Ferguson is getting way up there in age, and while he is still playing at a high level, he is an injury away from leaving a huge hole in themiddle of the DL. And it's critical that Dallas find a NT in the draft because there are none currently avialble in free agency, and I've read scouting reports that anticipate that no serviceable free agents will even be available after June-1 cuts. Dallas simply MUST address NT in the draft, at this one position where their dpth is thinnest.

**

 

[CF74]

He's playin possum cause he wants to be a cowboy

 

[ddh33]

I already said that I thought he would slide, so this doesn't surprise me at all. It reminds me of Vince Wilfork.

I don't think Branch will get past Dallas though.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Gabe Watson part II?

I don't agree with you often, but yes it seems that way.

 

[smarta5150]

Gabe Watson was and is a slob.

Branch is more athletic, I hope he doesnt get out of shape.

He has a lot more potential than gabe Watson ever had.

 

[Big Dakota]

Gabe Watson was and is a slob.

Branch is more athletic, I hope he doesnt get out of shape.

He has a lot more potential than gabe Watson ever had.

Slice it how you want, a 1st round player can't have the Lazy tag in my book, on my team. 2nd round on, ya wanna try and hit a HR on a quote, unquote "lazy" player with a ton of talent, OK, but you only get 10 first round guys per decade, Ya better make them count. The fat bastid isn't in shape for his job interview worth millions? Can you say character flaw????

 

[CF74]

Slice it how you want, a 1st round player can't have the Lazy tag in my book, on my team. 2nd round on, ya wanna try and hit a HR on a quote, unquote "lazy" player with a ton of talent, OK, but you only get 10 first round guys per decade, Ya better make them count. The fat bastid isn't in shape for his job interview worth millions? Can you say character flaw????

talent is almost always lazy, especially in youth....

 

[Big Dakota]

talent is almost always lazy, especially in youth....

Tirger Woods, MJ, Irvin, Aikman, come to mind...

 

[CF74]

Tirger Woods, MJ, Irvin, Aikman, come to mind...

the big guy from tampa/oakland, uhhh sapp, me, who cares really

 

[Big Dakota]

the big guy from tampa/oakland, uhhh sapp, me, who cares really

Russell Maryland?

 

[CF74]

Russell Maryland?

him 2:laugh2:

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Maybe we should draft him if he is available.

 

[5mics]

On the contrary, the DT position is - or at least should be - the top priority of Dallas' draft strategy. That's because we need a nose-tackle. Ferguson is getting way up there in age, and while he is still playing at a high level, he is an injury away from leaving a huge hole in themiddle of the DL. And it's critical that Dallas find a NT in the draft because there are none currently avialble in free agency, and I've read scouting reports that anticipate that no serviceable free agents will even be available after June-1 cuts. Dallas simply MUST address NT in the draft, at this one position where their dpth is thinnest.

**

I prefer Paul Soliai from Utah. He's raw BUT has a non-stop motor and is, in my view, more athletic than Branch. I d really don't like the reports that he was out of shape when he knows this is a job interview worth millions.....

 

[Alexander]

I've never understood his ranking all along.

Every year, there is a fat, lazy DT that gets this type of inflated rating.

Last year, it was Gabe Watson who was supposed to be a first round talent.

Branch is better, but hardly top five material as I see many rankings have him.

 

[Deputy493]

While that is somewhat interesting, I don't see that impacting the Dallas Cowboys any at all.

You're not serious are you?

You don't see how a potential 1st round NT could impact a team that runs the 3-4? Especially when all we basically have there right now is an aging Fergy.

Shawne Merriman gets all the press, but make no mistake the main guy that makes that 3-4 in SD work is the massive NT, Jamal Williams.

If Branch falls to us we would have to seriously consider taking him.

 

[RCowboyFan]

Anyone who has seen Alan Branch and Gabe Watson in School, shouldn't even compare those two when it comes to motor. I didn't see Branch taking Plays off, at least not as apparent as Gabe Watson was.

I think this is one of those posturing by teams, that want him to slide to them etc. Alan Branch in my mind, is top 10 pick and him and Gabe Watson don't even compare in having a Motor department. Gabe Watson was Lazy Slob.

 

[Alexander]

Anyone who has seen Alan Branch and Gabe Watson in School, shouldn't even compare those two when it comes to motor. I didn't see Branch taking Plays off, at least not as apparent as Gabe Watson was.

I think this is one of those posturing by teams, that want him to slide to them etc. Alan Branch in my mind, is top 10 pick and him and Gabe Watson don't even compare in having a Motor department. Gabe Watson was Lazy Slob.

Of course, he's better.

Some were making the natural comparison, and partially because he is from the same school.

But the fact is still there, DL get overvalued far too much.

Branch isn't a top five talent. Not in this or many other drafts.

Each year some DT who is just huge gets that type of overinflated ranking.

I guess Darrell Russell didn't teach anyone anything either. Drafting a big man that high is a dangerous proposition.