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).”
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:
- Pre-draft ranking: “Round 2“
“Slot receiver who can turn routine touches into explosive gains,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “Georgia prioritized quick touches at or behind the line of scrimmage to take advantage of Branch’s ability to slip tackles and add yards after catch. I expect to see more choice routes and deep crossers rolled into his workload as a pro. His routes are rushed and rounded, though. He will jump unnecessarily to make catches, which subjects him to added punishment from defenders. Branch is strong for his size and very tough.”
ESPN Scouts Inc:
- Pre-draft ranking: 40 overall
“Branch’s great burst and short-area quickness continuously created big plays in college, including 40 receiving first downs in 2025,” wrote ESPN scouts. “He has elite initial acceleration and can separate from defenders quickly. Plus, he can stop and start on a dime. Branch does not shy away from contact and will run through traffic over the middle. He still needs to polish his route running, but he has the necessary tools to do so. He also adds special teams value as a returner. His lack of size might limit him, but overall, he is a slot receiver who can win with suddenness and pure top-end speed.”
PFF Big Board:
- Pre-draft ranking: No. 75 overall
“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.”
CBS Sports Big Board:
- Pre-draft ranking: No. 74 overall
“Zachariah Branch is a slot-dominant wide receiver who was used at or near the line of scrimmage,” CBS Sports draft analysts wrote. “His best asset is his explosiveness and elusiveness with the ball in his hands. There has not been much to suggest the team that drafts him will expand that role significantly. Branch also offers versatility as a punt and kick returner. He projects as a complementary offensive piece and special teams contributor.”
Check out Atlanta’s undrafted free agent class and post-draft coverage in our Falcons draft tracker for 2026.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Zachariah Branch pre-draft scouting reports