Potential Falcon : Andre Branch ( DE, Clemson )

by durst on Feb 7, 2012 12:13 PM EST

6’5″ 265 pounds, 4.7 est. 40 yard dash

Branch, a first-team Atlantic Coast Conference selection, was named a second-team All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation and was one of six finalists for the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award.

With 16 tackles for loss, Branch is classified at Clemson as a "bandit end’’ who is apt to drop back in coverage, as well as pass rush.

Took over against Virginia Tech back in early October, helping the Tigers upset the Hokies on the road with 11 tackles and a ridiculous four sacks.

Atlanta's first choice in the 2012 NFL draft is the 55th pick. So why do I believe he could be a future Falcon?

Currently, few mock drafts have Branch in the first round ( Dom Banks of CNNSI.com projects him as an OLB going to Green Bay)

Andre Branch College Stats

Branch played both tight end and linebacker in high school

2007: Redshirted

2008: 11 tackles, 1 tackle for loss

2009: 46 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks

2010: 55 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 15 quarterback pressures, 7 batted passes

2011: 78 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 17 quarterback pressures

Branch only started his last two years at Clemson thanks to the presence of former Tiger (and NFL draft picks)Ricky Sapp and Da'Quan Bowers. Earned the "12th Man Award" in 2009, as he finished among team leaders in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks despite not starting a game. Branch had an ok junior year, when he had 55 tackles, and only five sacks, but an astounding seven passes broken up. He then had a very good senior season, posting 10.5 sacks.

Wes Bunting of National Football Post quotes "A tall, long armed defensive end prospect with an athletic looking frame, good girth through his mid-section and has the size to get even bigger. Displays natural flexibility to keep his base down and sit into his stance. At times will uncoil at the waist and not eat much grass initially off the ball vs. the run game. However, when he does get off the ball on time, he always extends his long arms well, can gain initial leverage and anchor on contact. Uses his length well to control blocks, is a coordinated kid through contact who maintains balance and exhibits violent hands. Can stack and shed on the outside, will fiercely rip off blocks and has the range in pursuit to make plays off his frame. Is also very disciplined playing on the backside. Locates the football well, closes the back door from the backside and doesn't get caught taking himself out of plays. Plays his outside contain with good integrity." nationalfootballpost.com

Watch Branch vs South Carolina: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6yw6m-HFeOo

Watch Branch vs Va. Tech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WJTqBM8ugNY

Watch Branch vs Fl. State: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp5hjVbGbMM&feature=player_embedded

Watch Brach vs Auburn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QIwhzNts8Y&feature=player_embedded

This FanPost was written by one of The Falcoholic's talented readers. It does not necessarily reflect the views of The Falcoholic.

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Comments

I don't want to entrust my passrush to a rookie.

Not if Abe is gone.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Feb 7, 2012 12:48 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I would

Especially with Nolan at DC. I think he is most athletic DE projected in the 2nd. If he is there take him.

by pierre02 on Feb 7, 2012 1:40 PM EST up reply actions

I don't know man

Look at the impact of Von Miller, Marcell Dareus, and DE wise JJ Watt and Aldon Smith. I don’t know to much about this guy but rookies can certainly change a defense.

by Falconzfan284 on Feb 9, 2012 5:02 PM EST up reply actions

When were they drafted?

What rounds?

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Feb 9, 2012 6:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

intriguing, but:

Sign ABE if possible, put Branch or anyone that can consistently get to the passer on the other side. Sign Robert Mathis as starter, but rotate Branch, Sidbury, and Matthews at DE. Cut Edwards, NOW!

by mice2 on Feb 7, 2012 1:17 PM EST reply actions

The Falcons need two more draft picks in 2012.

by DBFalcon on Feb 7, 2012 1:34 PM EST reply actions

Rec'd

You and pierre are my go-to draft gurus.

by Dave Choate on Feb 8, 2012 9:06 AM EST reply actions

It's unlikely that Branch would be on the board but,

I’m expecting a run on Guards and Centers,and NT/DTs in the early and mid 2nd Round.If I am right, he could be closer than any projections I’ve seen to being on the board.Still,I can’t quite see it working out for us.It’s almost impossible to imagine the Seahawks,Jets,Chargers ,Titans and Bengals all passing on Branch.

If he were there,the Falcons wouldn’t pass on him.

by dawg1060 on Feb 8, 2012 11:41 PM EST reply actions