The Falcons roster impact of the Zachariah Branch pick

TL;DR

Zachariah Branch is expected to significantly impact the Falcons' roster as a speedy slot receiver and potential punt returner. His addition will likely push Olamide Zaccheaus to a backup role and could lead to the team keeping six receivers.

Key points

Zachariah Branch will primarily play as a slot receiver.
His speed will enhance the Falcons' offensive strategies.
The team is likely to keep six wide receivers.
Branch is favored to take on punt return duties.

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Atlanta

Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) celebrates with wide receiver Colbie Young (8) after scoring a touchdown during the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Ole Miss defeated Georgia 39-34. | Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Zachariah Branch can haul ass. His 40 time tells the tale, but I’m more interested in what he did in terms of yards after the catch. At Georgia, he was a screen pass monster who routinely turned modest targets into big gains. Forget the size for a moment and focus on what you can do with a player who is incredibly fast, slippery, and sure-handed. And that’s what Branch is going to offer to this team: The ability to do fun things with screen passes, which are a staple of the Kevin Stefanski offense, and blazing speed that will give him plenty of chances to be disruptive on crossing routes and deep routes alike. It’s a niche this offense needed filled, and Branch has the ability to do so. What are the roster implications of his addition, though? Let’s talk about it.

Branch will see plenty of time at the slot, but that’s likely not all

He may share time at first with Olamide Zaccheaus, but when the Falcons have three receivers on the field Branch is likely to be in the slot quite a bit. It’s a logical spot for him, and defenses are not going to enjoy having to account for his speed when you have , , , and on the field at the same time. Particularly if is the team’s quarterback, the short passes over the middle and screens for Branch will come early and often. But I don’t think that’s the entire role for Branch. The Falcons will run plenty of two tight end sets with Kyle Pitts and on the field, and I think you’ll see Branch at least pull a few snaps per game away from Dotson as the team’s #2 receiver. Both Pitts and Hooper can block well enough to make screens for Branch and Bijan a possibility, and Branch’s work-in-progress route running can be mitigated if you ask him to fly straight downfield or run deep crossers. That could be particularly fun if Michael Penix Jr. is under center; you can see how the quarterback situation may impact his year one role. But either way, expect Branch to operate as the clear WR3 and at least mix in a little for Dotson in year one. That will push OZ into a WR4 role where he can step in at any spot required, which makes the veteran excellent insurance.

Q&A

What role will Zachariah Branch play on the Falcons roster?

Zachariah Branch is expected to primarily play in the slot as the WR3 and may also take snaps as the team's #2 receiver.

How does Zachariah Branch's speed affect the Falcons' offense?

Branch's speed will enhance the Falcons' offense by creating opportunities for screen passes and deep routes, making him a disruptive force on the field.

Will the Falcons keep six wide receivers on their roster?

Yes, the Falcons are likely to keep six wide receivers, including Drake London, Jahan Dotson, Zachariah Branch, and Olamide Zaccheaus.

Is Zachariah Branch a candidate for punt return duties?

Yes, Branch is considered the favorite for punt return duties due to his productive college career and speed.