Pro Football Focus weighs in on Falcons drafting Zachariah Branch

Yahoo Sports3h ago23 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

The Falcons have drafted wide receiver Zachariah Branch, enhancing their receiving depth. Pro Football Focus notes his exceptional speed but warns he must improve his route-running technique.

Key points

Falcons draft Zachariah Branch to enhance receiving depth
Branch is a former Georgia wide receiver
Pro Football Focus highlights his speed and athleticism
Concerns about his reliance on speed and route-running technique
Branch likely to be a Day 2 pick in the draft

Mentioned in this story

Pro Football FocusUniversity of GeorgiaUniversity of Southern California

Zachariah Branch

Pro Football Focus weighs in on Falcons drafting Zachariah Branch

The Falcons have added much-needed depth to their receiving corps by selecting former Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch. The USC-turned-Georgia product spent just one season in Athens with his previous two years in Southern California. However, his best season came with the Bulldogs in 2025.

The addition of Branch brings much needed speed to the offense, and Pro Football Focus agrees, but they also say he leans too heavily on this speed to define his game.

"Branch is a likely Day 2 pick due to his rare, difference-making athleticism," wrote PFF. "However, he relies heavily on speed and must continue to refine the nuance and technique in his route running to avoid being limited to a special teams role."

Branch was ranked as the No. 75 on PFF's big board, and his selection by the Falcons was a nice mix of value and need in Round 3.

During his time with Georgia, Branch totaled 811 yards with six receiving touchdowns on 81 receptions. With Southern California, he totaled 823 yards over two season with just three touchdowns on 78 receptions combined.

With the Falcons, Branch should be the second receiver behind Drake London, who offers a completely different skill set.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: A detailed view of the stage showing a still of Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana on screen after being selected first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: A general view of the draft tent is seen prior to Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Q&A

What are Zachariah Branch's strengths as a wide receiver?

Zachariah Branch's primary strength is his rare, difference-making athleticism and speed, which he brings to the Falcons' offense.

Why did the Falcons draft Zachariah Branch?

The Falcons drafted Zachariah Branch to add much-needed depth and speed to their receiving corps.

What concerns does Pro Football Focus have about Zachariah Branch?

Pro Football Focus is concerned that Branch relies too heavily on his speed and needs to refine his route-running technique to avoid being limited to a special teams role.

When did Zachariah Branch play for Georgia?

Zachariah Branch played for the University of Georgia for one season, specifically in 2025.