Who Should I Start? Chimere Dike or Zachariah Branch

Thursday, June 4, 9:09 PM

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.