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Branch revisited

PHOENIX -- NFC coaches held a morning breakfast with the media at the Arizona Biltmore and Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren reflected on the Deion Branch trade.

The Seahawks acquired Branch from the Patriots for a first-round draft choice last September, and Branch finished his first season in Seattle with 53 catches and four touchdowns in 14 games.

Was Branch worth the pick (24th overall)?

"If I got to 24th, and I knew I could take Deion Branch, I'd take him," Holmgren said. "It worked out well for Seattle. He'll be a good player for the Seahawks for a long time."

Holmgren elaborated on what he saw from Branch in 2006.

"First of all, he's a great human being, a great kid. I thought he came in and gave us great leadership. He ingratiated himself to his teammates. He's a hard worker. I can't say anything bad about him. Plus, he's really a good football player.

"He came in and had what I would call a very good season. I think after a year with us, and how we do things -- because every team does things a little differently -- we're counting on him to be even better."

MORNING NOTES: Saints general manager Mickey Loomis earned the George Young "Executive of the Year" award, presented by the Sporting News. ... Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden said Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson "might be the best back I've ever seen coming out of college." ... Rich McKay, co-chairman of the competition committee, will address the media shortly to talk about the results of rule-change proposals. ... The meetings conclude later today, with Commissionner Roger Goodell wrapping up the proceedings with a press conference.