Branch "solid" at Clemson Pro Day

The 2012 NFL draft class seems to be filled with many pass-rushing prospects capable of putting massive amounts of pressure on the opposing quarterback. Most believe North Carolina's Quentin Coples, South Carolina's Melvin Ingram, Alabama's Courtney Upshaw, USC's Nick Perry, and Illinois' Whitney Mercilus are locks to be selected in the first round. But what's nice about this draft is there will still be plenty of dynamic pass-rushing talents available in Round 2. A player believed to fall into that category is Clemson defensive end Andre Branch.

I've already written about Branch this offseason. With the San Diego Chargers weak at the outside linebacker spot, he's one of the prospects I'm hoping general manager A.J. Smith will seriously consider taking in the second round. Branch made first-team All-ACC in 2011 after leading the league with 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for losses. At 6-5, 260 pounds teams such as the Chargers want to see if he can transition from a 4-3 defensive end in college to a 3-4 pass-rushing outside linebacker in the pros. He was put to the test during Clemson's Pro Day this afternoon

The college defensive end was put through a battery of linebacker drills by the New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan, and for the most part looked solid. Though Branch was overthinking at times, the scouts on hand were impressed with his athleticism and movement skills. He's locked himself up as someone who will go in the top half of the second round.

If Smith chooses to select an offensive tackle such as Ohio State's Mike Adams in Round 1, Branch, if still available, could be an appealing option for San Diego's second pick.