Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Gene Branton () - 1983 NFL Draft Pick #148 by TB

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for Gene Branton (1983 NFL Draft)

Gene Branton, a standout player from the University of Nebraska, was a highly regarded prospect heading into the 1983 NFL Draft. Below is a summary of the key aspects of his pre-draft evaluation:

• Position: Defensive Back
• Height/Weight: 6'1", 195 lbs
• College: University of Nebraska
• Projected Round: 2nd - 3rd round

Strengths:

• Versatile Skill Set: Branton demonstrated the ability to play both cornerback and safety, showcasing his adaptability in the secondary.
• Speed and Agility: He exhibited impressive speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and stay with wide receivers.
• Ball Skills: Branton had a knack for making plays on the ball, evidenced by his interceptions and pass deflections during his college career.

Areas for Improvement:

• Physicality: While he had solid coverage skills, scouts noted that he needed to improve his tackling technique and physicality in run support.
• Consistency: There were moments of brilliance in his play, but inconsistency in performances raised some concerns among evaluators.

Overall Assessment:

Gene Branton was viewed as a talented defensive back with the potential to be a starter in the NFL. Teams were intrigued by his athleticism and versatility, which made him a valuable asset in a league increasingly focused on defensive backs' ability to cover multiple roles. With the right coaching and development, Branton had the potential to make an immediate impact on a franchise looking to bolster its secondary.