Raiders Believe Tyvon Branch is a Potential Star

Tyvon Branch

Tyvon Branch is a potential star according to Raiders coaches.

Oakland Raiders coaches believe they have a potential star on their hands in strong safety Tyvon Branch.

A fourth-round draft pick in 2008 out of Connecticut, Branch led all safeties in the NFL in tackles last season.

He racked up 123 tackles, two forced fumbles, deflected eight passes and added a sack for good measure last season.

There is speculation that he could move to free safety with last year’s second-round draft pick Michael Mitchell now healthy, but that remains to be seen. Branch likes to play closer to the line of scrimmage — not deep.

Mitchell was slowed by hamstring problems during training camp which hurt him as a rookie, per Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune.

Chuck Carroll

About Chuck Carroll

Chuck Carroll is in his third season covering the Redskins. He co-hosts 4th & Pain with defensive end Adam Carriker and also works for CBS Radio in Washington, D.C. He is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.