"Amobi Okoye." That'll be a fun name for announcers to pronounce this year, as the defensive tackle from Louisville is bound to make an impact. Okoye is strong enough to play the position, often able to get a good push to...[More]
Chris Pokorny provides the most comprehensive, personable outlook regarding the 2007 draft.
DT | MichiganAlan Branch
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 324 | 40 Time: 5.09
Positives: Alan Branch has great size for the defensive tackle position and has had experience in numerous systems. He's able to draw multiple blockers due to his strength. He holds his ground extremely well, allowing him to defend the run consistently. He gets a good read at the snap of the ball and is often able to shed away from his blockers, allowing him to penetrate into the backfield. Although Branch's stock has dropped, he has a lot of upside still.
Negatives: Defensive tackles aren't usually noted for pass rushing ability, and Branch is no different. At nearly 6-6, Branch's height may actually deter him from having proper leverage in certain match-ups. Branch also has some stamina concerns, which corresponds with his weight issues.
Notes: Branch has experience playing as a defensive end at Michigan, but he'll be drafted as a defensive tackle without question. Although he was once considered one of the top defensive prospects, there's a very good chance that he could fall to the middle of the first round. Of all the people in the draft, Branch is the player that could be selected within the top ten, or following the top twenty.
