Zachariah Branch Stays in Georgia Going to the Falcons in the Third Round
The Atlanta Falcons selected Georgia WR Zachariah Branch in Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Branch arrived as a blue-chip prospect. A five-star track and football standout from Las Vegas, he committed to USC in 2023 and made an early impact as a returner with 2 TDs. He also out-produced Makai Lemon (31 catches to 6). Then in 2024, Lemon topped Branch in catches, yards, and TDs. Branch transferred to Georgia in 2025 and broke out as the Bulldogs’ most productive receiver, leading the team with 81 receptions and 811 receiving yards. Georgia manufactured much of that production via short throws, with 54.3% of his catches, 38.6% of his yards, and 50% of his TDs coming via screens. Removing screens, Branch recorded an underwhelming 2.01 yards per route run. Despite excellent long speed and burst, Branch’s thin route tree remains concerning for his dynasty outlook.
