D.J. Reed once pleaded with Robert Saleh to draft Brian Branch, but the New York Jets didn’t listen.
New Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed may have a future in college scouting in him.
During a one-on-one interview with DetroitLions.com’s Dannie Rogers, Reed told an interesting story about his time with the New York Jets . A fan of the college game, one player caught his eye heading into the 2023 NFL Draft : Alabama defensive back Brian Branch.
“I’m a big fan of Brian Branch. Even when he was coming out of Alabama, I actually told coach (Robert) Saleh, I was like, ‘With the 17th pick, you’ve gotta get Brian Branch. This guy is a dawg,’” Reed told Rogers.
In what has turned out to be kismet, Reed will now play alongside Branch, who inexplicably slipped into the second round that draft. The Lions ended up trading up to select Branch 45th overall. Two seasons in, Branch already has seven interceptions, 15 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a Pro Bowl .
Paired with Kerby Joseph, the Lions arguably have the best safety tandem in football. That was a big reason Reed came to Detroit.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with the safety duo,” Reed said. “That’s something I was very excited about is I’m going to be playing with two All-Pro safeties, which that’s going to take my game to the next level and I think it’s going to turn up the whole defense.”
Don’t feel too bad for the Jets, though. They ended up taking Will McDonald IV with the 15th overall pick. That has turned out just fine for them. McDonald posted 10.5 sacks last year and 24 quarterback hits.