4 XFL standouts the Vikings should consider for 2020
By Luke Parrish
Marcelis Branch – S (Tampa Bay Vipers)
Anthony Harris has an expensive price tag on the market and Jayron Kearse appears set on leaving the Twin Cities. So the secondary that was once the pride of the Vikings defense may soon be their biggest concern.
Marcelis Branch should be given the opportunity to compete for depth this summer. Branch has been everywhere for the Vipers so far this season. He leads the team with 17 tackles, including 12 in their Week 2 loss to the Seattle Dragons. Branch also had a sack and two tackles in the game.
His college career at Robert Morris was spectacular. Branch recorded 251 tackles, seven interceptions, and 28 passes defended in four seasons. He added three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and two blocked kicks.
Branch has spent three training camps on NFL rosters with the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers. The 26-year-old safety is making plays in the XFL and his success at every level shows that his game translates to a certain degree.
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The NFL does not view him as a starter, most certainly. He hung around during some training camps and he is playing in the XFL at age 26.
Still, Branch’s success is at least worth looking further into. If he finishes the season on a similar trajectory, he will be back in NFL camps this summer.
With depth concerns at safety, Minnesota should be in the market for cheap backups this offseason. Do not be surprised if Branch ends up rocking the purple and gold in 2020.