[Nick]

Once (and depending on who you talk to, still) graded as a Top 5-6 pick in this draft, it would seem there have been growing concerns about Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch. Consider the following...

Scout.com's combine report about Branch said: Branch worked hard and ran reasonably well in the forty. And while he flashed athleticism he quickly faded during the practice session and seemed out of shape. His stock is slipping. Several teams we spoke with at today's workouts said were it any ordinary player from any ordinary program they'd probably stamp him with a third round grade. Expect Branch to make a Jimmy Kennedy like fall in the draft.

Recently, Mel Kiper dropped Branch down his big board. Once near the top, Branch currently appears at 24 and is Kiper's third ranked defensive tackle available in this class behind Louisville's Amobi Okoye and Tennessee's Justin Harrell.

Now that Michigan has had their pro day, more concerning reports are starting to come in. From NFL.com's Gil Brandt: Branch ran the short shuttle in 4.81 seconds and the three-cone drill in 7.50. Kansas City defensive line coach Tim Krumrie worked Branch hard during the position drills, and the scouts there said Branch did not look like he was in very good shape.

Scout.com offers a similar assessment: Alan Branch did not fare as well. Just as we reported at the combine, Branch looked sluggish and out of shape during the position drills.

Furthermore, NFL Draft Scout's Rob Rang also indicated that Branch's stock may be slipping. The site's profile on Branch lists the following recent news: Michigan's Pro Day isn't until March 16, and with a solid workout at the Combine, Branch won't necessarily have anything to gain. The concern scouts have is the more they put in the film, the more concerned they are that Branch was simply able to over-power collegiate players. Even his most ardent supporters would agree that Branch isn't your typical playmaking defensive tackle, and his pass rush skills will never earn comparisons to Warren Sapp. Still, for a player who is thought to be a physically dominant presence, Branch was so meek in Combine interviews with teams that some are a little worried he'll struggle to adapt to the intensity of the pro game. Don't expect Branch to drop far. Houston, Miami, Atlanta and San Francisco, teams selecting between No. 8 and No. 11 overall, all could use help inside. However, Branch's status as a top five pick is in question.

So should teams be wary of the large Michigan lineman? Is Branch really slipping down on draft boards because of concerns about his work ethic and motivation? Or are the labels of being sluggish and out of shape not exceptionally out of the ordinary for a man of his massive size?

Discuss.