Zachariah Branch

Zachariah Branch News

Zachariah Branch Impressing New Falcons QB in OTAs

Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who was the 79th overall pick in the third round of this year's draft out of the University of Georgia, has been quickly learning the team's offense and building chemistry with his teammates in OTAs this offseason, according to Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com. The 22-year-old proved to be one of college's most explosive playmakers in 2025 with the Bulldogs, leading the SEC with 81 catches and gaining 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 14 games played. He has drawn the attention of new quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who played with two elite speed receivers in Miami in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. "I mean, dude's fast," Tagovailoa said. "Dude can play very shifty. Kind of reminds me of Waddle." Branch caught 159 passes for 1,634 yards and nine touchdowns in his three collegiate seasons (two at USC), and he did most of his damage after he already secured the football. He was targeted 96 times and caught 92 passes behind the line of scrimmage in college. Speed is not in question with Branch, but his durability at 5-foot-9, 177 pounds, and his role in his rookie season are up for debate. Expect him to compete with Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson for the WR2 role in Atlanta in 2026 behind WR1 Drake London.

Jun 4, 2026 9:09 PM EST

Zachariah Branch a Steal in the Second Round of Rookie Drafts?

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch has emerged as a very intriguing target in 2026 rookie drafts. A third-round pick out of Georgia, Branch stays local as he joins a Falcons roster that desperately needed a wide receiver upgrade this offseason. Drake London is the clear alpha here, but there weren't any flashy names behind him leading up to the draft. Branch should compete for the No. 2 role right away, as he could have more of an immediate impact than players like Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus. Atlanta will enter the season with some combination of Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback. Both passers (especially Tagovailoa) have shown that they can support multiple fantasy-relevant receivers in years past. Branch's skill set fits well with these quarterbacks, too, because he's a speedy receiver who can get open deep downfield and haul in passes from the strong arms of either Penix or Tagovailoa. He projects as an early second-round pick in most rookie drafts, and he ranks as the WR63 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings. Not only does he have impressive long-term upside, but there's the potential for him to contribute as a relevant option in 2026 redraft leagues, too.

Jun 1, 2026 8:49 AM EST

Falcons Select Speedy Receiver Zachariah Branch At 79 Overall

The Atlanta Falcons selected University of Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch with the 79th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft on Friday night. Branch can fly, has plenty of after-the-catch ability and explosiveness, and he should also factor in on special teams as a punt/kick returner. Branch spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at USC before playing for Georgia in 2025, where he caught an SEC-high 81 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games played. The 5-foot-9, 177-pounder is an absolute burner with elite speed and acceleration. He clocked a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in February. His game-changing speed will give him plenty of upside in dynasty fantasy leagues, and he could have a pretty big role in his first year in the NFL in Atlanta behind Drake London. The biggest concerns about Branch at the next level are his lack of size and his limited route tree.

Apr 24, 2026 6:14 PM EST