Cards DT Branch out to make Kiper 'eat every word' - USATODAY.com
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Cards DT Branch out to make Kiper 'eat every word'
TEMPE, Ariz. — In between blocking drills and footwork lessons at Arizona Cardinals headquarters, Alan Branch is busy preparing Mel Kiper Jr. a nice plate of bluster flambé.
For all the tediousness that accompanies voluntary workouts, it's hard not to lock in on rookie defensive tackle Branch. Ever since the two engaged in a verbal duel of table tennis — ESPN analyst Kiper questioned Branch's work ethic, and Branch offered, "I'm going to make sure he eats every word he said" — Branch has surfaced as one of the more intriguing stories at practice.
"I laugh about (the criticism) now," Branch said Thursday. "Most of the guys who say stuff like that are just fantasy football fans that have never been on the field; they've never really smelled the grass. Anyone who has seen me knows how hard I work."
The pre-draft skepticism might explain why the 6-5, 334-pound Michigan standout went untouched in the first round. The Cardinals couldn't believe it. They gave up their second- and fourth-round picks to secure the Oakland Raiders' spot at the top of the second round and rejoiced at their good fortune.
If they could trust anyone's input, it would be defensive line coach Ron Aiken. Aiken spent the past eight seasons at Iowa, where he had an up-close look at Big Ten opponent Michigan.
"Most teams in college double-teamed him, and Alan did a great job as far as plugging up the middle," Aiken said. "The key thing is, when you watch him on tape in college, he stayed on the field about 85% of the time. There's not a lot of big guys that stay in the ballgame for a large majority of reps.
"That right there generated our interest."
If you won't take Aiken's word for it, then here is Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English, better known in the Valley for his stint as an ASU assistant.
"I never agreed with the criticism," English said. "We played a lot of snaps, and we just didn't take him out that much. He could play a lot.
"I never professed to know the NFL, but I don't think you find guys like that very often. They got a real steal."
English said he is surprised he has not heard people talk about Branch's intelligence.
"He played every position on the defensive line for us," he said. "He could get everybody lined up, he could make checks. He's a very smart football player."
Branch, 22, is in a position to make an immediate impact on this team. With the shift to a 3-4 alignment, there is uncertainty on the line, and Branch will contend for time at nose tackle with Kendrick Clancy and Gabe Watson. He also could be used at defensive end.
The hunch here is Branch, with his size and smarts, will be starting in no time.
Branch out to prove his worth
Branch out to prove his worth
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