Should I Start Zachariah Branch?

Sunday, June 28, 11:59 AM

After recording 81 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns across 14 games for the University of Georgia in 2025, wide receiver Zachariah Branch was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have a clear top two in their target pecking order in wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. However, Branch's top competition for the WR2 role behind London currently projects to be veteran wideouts Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson. Branch is clearly the highest upside option of the three and could be a significant piece of the Atlanta offense right away with a strong performance in training camp and the preseason. If Tua Tagovailoa opens the year as the Falcons QB1, Branch's ability to win from the slot could be a strong fit with Tagovailoa's preference to get the ball out quickly. As the WR70 by redraft ADP, Branch could be a sneaky sleeper for fantasy managers to target.