He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL draft, and also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals.

Branch earned his first career start in the 2009 season opener on September 14 in a Monday night game against the San Diego Chargers, but was placed on season-ending injured reserve on November 5 with a shoulder injury.

He went on to have a breakout season for the Raiders in 2009 as the starting strong safety in all 16 games, finishing with 98 unassisted tackles and 26 assists, two forced fumbles, and a sack.

He had his best game of the year in a win over the heavily favored Bengals with 12 tackles and a forced fumble.

During Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks on November 9, 2017, Branch suffered a torn ACL, ending his 2017 season.