Trending Now - Falcons Choose WR Zachariah Branch at 2026 Draft Amid Controversy
WHO:
NY Post - Zachariah Branch, wide receiver, University of Georgia
atlantafalcons.com - Atlanta Falcons, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa
WHAT:
atlantafalcons.com - Zachariah Branch is considered a true playmaker at the receiver position and is expected to contend for a starting kick return role as a rookie.
atlantafalcons.com - Branch's height is 5-foot-9 and weight is 177 pounds.
atlantafalcons.com - Branch's 2025 season statistics include 10 starts out of 14 games played, 81 catches, 811 receiving yards, a 10.0 yards per catch average, and 6 touchdowns.
atlantafalcons.com - Zachariah Branch was named Second Team All-SEC for the 2025 season.
atlantafalcons.com - Branch averaged 10.0 yards per catch during the 2025 season.
atlantafalcons.com - Branch started 10 out of 14 games played in the 2025 season.
atlantafalcons.com - Branch's average depth of target over his career was 5.2 yards.
atlantafalcons.com - Branch ran a screen on 25.4 percent of his routes, ranking No. 1 in the FBS.
atlantafalcons.com - The Atlanta Falcons selected Zachariah Branch with the No. 79 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
atlantafalcons.com - Branch had 81 catches for 811 receiving yards and scored six touchdowns during the 2025 season.
atlantafalcons.com - Branch led the SEC in receptions during the 2025 season.
atlantafalcons.com - Branch is considered a true playmaker at the receiver position and is expected to contend for a starting kick return role as a rookie.
WHERE:
NY Post - Athens, Georgia, where Branch was arrested.
atlantafalcons.com - Flowery Branch, Georgia, where the Falcons are based.
WHEN:
NY Post - Branch was arrested early Sunday morning.
atlantafalcons.com - Branch played two seasons at USC before transferring to Georgia last year.
WHY:
atlantafalcons.com - The Falcons needed to build up their receiver room around Drake London and selected Branch to add speed and explosiveness to their offense.
HOW:
atlantafalcons.com - Branch's short-area quickness and propensity to make plays with the ball in his hands should add a new element to Atlanta's offense, allowing him to coexist nicely with Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.
atlantafalcons.com - Branch's career receiving yards were 78% accumulated after the catch, showcasing his run-after-catch ability.
atlantafalcons.com - Branch's performance included outstanding run-after-catch ability, with 78% of his career receiving yards coming after the catch.
atlantafalcons.com - Branch's short-area quickness and ability to make plays with the ball in his hands were highlighted as key attributes for his selection.
(UPDATED April 26, 2026 04:06 UTC)
Zachariah Branch is being hailed as a true playmaker at the receiver position and is expected to compete for a starting kick return role as a rookie. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 177 pounds, Branch had an impressive 2025 season with 81 catches for 811 receiving yards, averaging 10.0 yards per catch and scoring 6 touchdowns. His quickness and ability to make plays with the ball are anticipated to bring a fresh dynamic to Atlanta's offense, complementing the talents of Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.
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(UPDATED April 25, 2026 23:07 UTC)
Zachariah Branch has been named Second Team All-SEC for the 2025 season, where he started 10 out of 14 games and averaged 10.0 yards per catch. Notably, Branch's career receiving yards were 78% accumulated after the catch, highlighting his impressive run-after-catch ability. Additionally, he ran a screen on 25.4 percent of his routes, ranking him No. 1 in the FBS.
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(UPDATED April 25, 2026 21:11 UTC)
The Atlanta Falcons have selected wide receiver Zachariah Branch with the No. 79 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, aiming to enhance their receiving corps alongside players like Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Branch, who had an impressive 2025 season with 81 catches for 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns, is recognized for his explosive playmaking ability and is expected to compete for a starting kick return role as a rookie. Notably, 78% of his career receiving yards came after the catch, showcasing his remarkable run-after-catch skills and quickness, which were pivotal in his selection.