10 prospects besides Brian Branch Eagles can draft to replace Gardner-Johnson

Even if the Eagles miss out on Alabama’s Brian Branch, there will be solid options for them come draft time.

You know the name well. Brian Branch is a six-foot, 190-pound stud from the Alabama Crimson Tide. He’s widely considered to be the best safety prospect in this draft class. Some have even linked him to the Eagles at the 30th-overall selection. Just for kicks, let’s take his name out of the discussion.

The Birds should still be able to land a star at safety If they choose. Here are some options. We begin with some honorable mentions before naming our top six prospects.

Honorable mentions:

Here’s a list of a few guys that should be on everyone’s list of the best mid-round to late-round safety products. Be sure to jot these names down if you haven’t already.

Demarcco Hellams, Alabama Crimson Tide

Take Demarcco Hellams off of the Alabama Crimson Tide’s defense, place him on the roster of just about any other program in the country, and he becomes the best safety on that team’s depth chart. During 40 games at the collegiate level that span four seasons, he racked up 255 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and four interceptions. He also had a solid week of Senior Bowl practice that has quite a few teams intrigued.

Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State Nittany Lions

Ji’Ayir Brown kind of looks like C.J. Gardner-Johnson physically. They’re the same height. Both lack length. C.J. might be about five pounds heavier.

Both counter the question about their lack of size with their playmaking skills. Brown racked up 139 tackles, nine pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and nine interceptions during his final two seasons in Happy Valley.

Anthony Johnson Jr., Iowa State

Anthony Johnson is one of the more experienced prospects. He played 57 games during a five-year run.

His time at the safety position isn’t that expansive, but he played well there and offers a lot of versatility.

J.L. Skinner, Boise State

J.L. Skinner is a defensive back that just happens to be 38 pounds short of being Derrick Henry’s size although Skinner is about an inch taller at six-foot-four. He’s a rare blend of size and speed that Boise State lined up at safety and in the slot. Some say he can play linebacker.

Make sure you keep both eyes peeled for him.