The highest-rated safety entering the 2023 NFL draft was selected with the 45th pick of the second round.

Brian Branch is headed to the Detroit Lions as the second Alabama defensive player selected in the draft after Will Anderson was taken third overall by Houston. He will join former Crimson Tide teammate Jahmyr Gibbs, the 12th pick from the Lions in last night’s first round.

Branch was among the prospects who traveled to Kansas City but was left in the green room after Thursday night’s first round ended.

The Fayetteville, Georgia native started games in each of his three seasons after emerging as a key player in the 2020 national title run. He broke up three passes in the CFP championship win over Ohio State before starting seven of the 15 games as a sophomore.

The draft stock for Branch rose as his junior season progressed, eventually finding himself atop safety positional rankings done by Pro Football Focus and ESPN’s Mel Kiper.

Branch had a breakout season as a junior while establishing himself as a versatile piece of the secondary. His signature moment came at Ole Miss when he broke up the final pass into the end zone to preserve the Crimson Tide win. He finished the season second on the team in tackles for loss (14) while breaking up seven passes and intercepting two others.

After opting to enter the draft early, Branch becomes the sixth Alabama safety drafted since 2015. Each of the previous six started NFL games with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Eddie Jackson and Landon Collins emerging as stars in the league.

Alabama 2023 NFL draft picks

Round 1

• 1. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
• 3. Will Anderson, Houston Texans
• 12. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

Round 2

• 45. Brian Branch, Detroit Lions