2012 Possible Atlanta Falcons Draft Pick Profile: DE Andre Branch

Andre Branch

Defensive End

Clemson University

Combine Measurements

Height: 6’4-1/4” Weight: 259 pounds

Arm Length: 34" Hand Measurement: 9"

40 yard dash: 4.72 sec. 20 yard split: 2.76 sec. 10 yard split: 1.59 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.25 sec. 3-cone Drill: 7.19 sec. Bench Reps: 19 reps

Vertical Jump: 32.5" Broad Jump: 10'0"

Stats

2007: Redshirted

2008: 7 Games, 0 Games Started, 10 Tackles, 1.0 Tackles for Loss

2009: 14 Games, 0 Games Started, 37 Tackles, 6.5 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks

2010: 13 Games, 13 Games Started, 54 Tackles, 8.5 Tackles for Loss, 6.0 Sacks

2011: 14 Games, 14 Games Started, 77 Tackles, 16.0 Tackles for Loss, 9.5 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble

Scouting Report

Strengths

He has a great frame to add more strength and mass. He also is explosive and has a quick first step. He is one of the more athletic players in space in this draft and has coverage abilities that others don’t.

He has a huge upside and can be a top-5 defensive end in the NFL in the right scheme. He has a few good pass-rush moves and understands how to play games with offensive linemen. He has experience starting and in a rotation and can contribute early.

Weaknesses

He is the most inconsistent player at his position and needs to get stronger at the point of attack and in shedding blocks. He also can get pushed around in his run defense duties and needs to get more physicality in his game.

Overview

Branch is one of the better fits for a 3-4 defense in this year’s draft as an outside linebacker. He could end up in a 4-3 and should be a weakside defensive end in that formation. He is a fringe first-round caliber player and could end up as high as 27 to the Patriots.

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

If he slips to 55, Andre Branch could be the pick and should be a top defensive end in the league with the right coaching staff. He has a good first step and needs refinement, which he should be able to get with Abraham and Ray Hamilton teaching him.