What NFL draft experts said about Falcons WR Zachariah Branch

TL;DR

The Atlanta Falcons selected wide receiver Zachariah Branch with the 79th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Branch, who transferred from USC to Georgia, is expected to contribute as a slot receiver and return man this season.

Key points

Falcons selected Zachariah Branch with the 79th overall pick
Branch transferred from USC to Georgia
He recorded 81 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns last season
Branch expected to start in the slot and contribute on special teams
Falcons needed help at wide receiver after releasing two players

Atlanta FalconsZachariah BranchGeorgiaUSC

What NFL draft experts said about Falcons WR Zachariah Branch

The Atlanta Falcons targeted one of their top needs on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch with the 79th overall pick. Branch has a chance to start for the Falcons in the slot this seasos and can also provide special teams value as a return man.

Branch transferred from USC to Georgia and recorded 81 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns last season. While slightly undersized, his talent is undeniable. The Falcons needed help at the wide receiver position after releasing Darnell Mooney and KhaDarel Hodge. Branch now joins Drake London and Jahan Dotson in Atlanta.

So, what did NFL scouts say about Branch before the draft? Let's check out the former Georgia standout's pre-draft scouting reports.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler:

Pre-draft ranking: No. 66 overall

"Branch has dynamic speed and the linear twitch to threaten the defense before and after the catch, but there is a lot of good-faith projection required to envision him as more than a gadget player," wrote Brugler. "He projects as a versatile slot receiver with return value (in the Rondale Moore mold)."