It’s the nightmare for any prospective NFL draft pick — a scandal right before the draft.
It’s reality for Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Brach after he was arrested early Sunday morning in Athens, Georgia, on a pair of misdemeanor charges just days before he’s projected to be a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
From ESPN: “Branch is facing misdemeanor charges of obstructing public sidewalks/streets — prowling and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. According to the Athens Clarke County arrest log, he was booked at 1:26 a.m. and released at 3:44 a.m. after posting $39 bond.”
Branch played his 1st 2 seasons of college football at USC before transferring to Georgia, where he set the school’s single-season record with 81 receptions in 2025 to go with 811 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns.
Branch’s younger brother, Zion Branch, is a safety for Georgia. The Bulldogs played their spring football game on Saturday in Athens.
The NFL draft begins Thursday in Pittsburgh.
More Information on Branch’s Arrest From NFL.com
NFL.com reporter Tom Pelissero obtained more information on Branch’s arrest from official police reports shortly after ESPN’s story was posted, which indicated he was arrested after not moving from a sidewalk when a police officer told him to.
From the police report: “A male, later identified as Zacharia Branch, continued to stand on the sidewalk without making an attempt to move. I continued to give Zachariah Branch verbal commands to move from blocking the sidewalk and advised that if he did not, he would receive a citation for blocking the sidewalk. Zacharia Branch smirked, then stepped backwards and to the right, then remained standing upon the public sidewalk, so as to obstruct, hinder, and impede free passage upon the sidewalk as well as impede free ingress/egress to or from the adjacent places of business. Due to those actions and Zacharia Branch’s failure to comply with multiple verbal lawful commands, he was placed under arrest for misdemeanor Obstruction of LEO and received a citation for Obstructing Public Sidewalks.”
Branch Could Make Huge Impact as Rookie
Branch could not only make an impact on offense as a rookie for an NFL team but also on special teams, where he could be an elite plug-and-play option as a return specialist.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein compared Branch to veteran wide receiver Curtis Samuel in his pre-draft evaluation. The Las Vegas native ran the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds, but his size likely has kept him out of 1st round projections — he’s only 5-foot-8 and 177 pounds.
“Slot receiver who can turn routine touches into explosive gains,” Zierlein wrote. “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. He could be pigeon-holed into a ‘manufactured touch’ role, but he’s capable of more. He should help move the sticks and return punts before eventually settling in as a starting slot.”
NFL Draft Prospect and Former Georgia Star Arrested in Athens