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Raiders take CB Branch - Davis isn't completely senile......:
Strengths: Smooth opening hips when forced to turn and run, generally reacts well to double moves and fast enough to run with NFL receivers. Changes directions well and shows adequate short-area man-to-man cover skills. Reads quarterback's eyes and isn't afraid to come off assignment to make a play on the ball. Shows excellent range in zone coverage and can cover a deep half of the field. Plays pass to start every down and can be step slow reacting to the run but fills hard when does read run. Has experience lining up at safety and is somewhat versatile. Is a dangerous kickoff return-man, experienced at returning punts and should make immediate contributions on special teams. Started the final 30 games of collegiate career and appears to be durable.
Weaknesses: Isn't physical and gets pushed around too much for a player his size. Doesn't have great upper body strength and takes too long to shed blocks. While has excellent range doesn't take sound pursuit angles and could get to he ball more often. Doesn't deliver many big hits and is an inconsistent open field tackler that dives at the feet of ball carriers' too much. Appears to either lack ideal confidence or put too much faith in quickness because gives receivers too much of cushion before and after the snap. Lacks ideal instincts, can be too quick to bite on underneath routes and gets caught out of position at times. Can flips hips too early and has problems defending comeback routes. Doesn't attack the ball while it's in the air and isn't a playmaker in coverage. Isn't big enough to line up in the box when lined up at safety and doesn't have the frame to add considerably more bulk without sacrificing some burst.
Overall: Branch arrived at Connecticut in 2004 and contributed as a true freshman. In his first three seasons ('04-'06), he appeared in 35 games (18 starts) and had 141 tackles (4.5 for losses), three interceptions and eight pass breakups. As a senior in 2007, he started in all 13 games and had 89 tackles (three for losses), one forced fumble and 10 pass breakups. Branch was a versatile contributor who even made the Huskies' secondary calls from his cornerback position. For his career, he had 37 kickoff returns for 980 yards (26.5 average) and two touchdowns. Branch is quick enough to mirror receivers underneath, fast enough to run with receivers downfield and versatile enough to line up at safety in certain situations. In addition, he's an explosive return man. However, his adequate-at-best instincts raise a red flag, especially considering his ample experience, and he is a marginal run defender who needs to improve as a tackler. With that in mind, Branch projects as a fourth round pick.
Strengths: Smooth opening hips when forced to turn and run, generally reacts well to double moves and fast enough to run with NFL receivers. Changes directions well and shows adequate short-area man-to-man cover skills. Reads quarterback's eyes and isn't afraid to come off assignment to make a play on the ball. Shows excellent range in zone coverage and can cover a deep half of the field. Plays pass to start every down and can be step slow reacting to the run but fills hard when does read run. Has experience lining up at safety and is somewhat versatile. Is a dangerous kickoff return-man, experienced at returning punts and should make immediate contributions on special teams. Started the final 30 games of collegiate career and appears to be durable.
Weaknesses: Isn't physical and gets pushed around too much for a player his size. Doesn't have great upper body strength and takes too long to shed blocks. While has excellent range doesn't take sound pursuit angles and could get to he ball more often. Doesn't deliver many big hits and is an inconsistent open field tackler that dives at the feet of ball carriers' too much. Appears to either lack ideal confidence or put too much faith in quickness because gives receivers too much of cushion before and after the snap. Lacks ideal instincts, can be too quick to bite on underneath routes and gets caught out of position at times. Can flips hips too early and has problems defending comeback routes. Doesn't attack the ball while it's in the air and isn't a playmaker in coverage. Isn't big enough to line up in the box when lined up at safety and doesn't have the frame to add considerably more bulk without sacrificing some burst.
Overall: Branch arrived at Connecticut in 2004 and contributed as a true freshman. In his first three seasons ('04-'06), he appeared in 35 games (18 starts) and had 141 tackles (4.5 for losses), three interceptions and eight pass breakups. As a senior in 2007, he started in all 13 games and had 89 tackles (three for losses), one forced fumble and 10 pass breakups. Branch was a versatile contributor who even made the Huskies' secondary calls from his cornerback position. For his career, he had 37 kickoff returns for 980 yards (26.5 average) and two touchdowns. Branch is quick enough to mirror receivers underneath, fast enough to run with receivers downfield and versatile enough to line up at safety in certain situations. In addition, he's an explosive return man. However, his adequate-at-best instincts raise a red flag, especially considering his ample experience, and he is a marginal run defender who needs to improve as a tackler. With that in mind, Branch projects as a fourth round pick.
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