The Atlanta Falcons were only able to come away with six total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. One of those could end up being a total steal for the team in former Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch.
Branch was drafted No. 79 overall in the third round, becoming only the Falcons’ second pick of the draft after not having one in the first round. Atlanta selected Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell at No. 48 overall in the second round.
The former Bulldogs receiver is now set to play a crucial role in the Falcons’ offense, improving a room that felt bare of depth entering the offseason. In fact, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes not only will he contribute, he’ll outplay his third-round selection in his rookie season, becoming a major contributor.
Falcons Choice Between Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa To Impact Zachariah Branch’s Rookie Season
Moton warns that Branch, at well under six feet, won’t impress anyone with his stature. That’s what his speed is for. Nevertheless, he believes Branch could work himself into becoming the No. 2 wide receiver on the team behind Drake London.
“Although Branch is 5’9″, 177 pounds, he’s capable of providing a spark to an offense that needs his 4.35 speed in a complementary receiver role,” Moton wrote.
“In college, Branch operated primarily out of the slot, though in the same role, he could be the Falcons’ No. 2 receiver behind London and serve as a chain-mover for quarterback Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa.”
Moton explained, though, Branch may only thrive if Penix is behind center.
“Tagovailoa admitted that he struggles to see over offensive and defensive linemen. So Branch could be more productive with Penix under center,” Moton continued. “The speedy slot receiver frequently caught passes over the middle to beat zone coverage in college.”
Tagovailoa’s past comments were referencing a Miami Dolphins 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns. In that game, Tagovailoa admitted he had trouble finding Jaylen Waddle downfield, resulting in just one reception for 15 yards.
Atlanta signed both Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus this offseason to replace Darnell Mooney and KhaDarel Hodge. Zaccheaus appears to be nothing more than a depth piece, sparked by familiarity with the team in the past. Dotson, a former first-rounder, is likely the projected WR2 as of now, but his production has declined over the last couple of seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
With his speed, head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees could find ways to get creative with Branch. Between his two seasons at USC and one at Georgia, he combined for a total of 14 scores, two of which came on special teams. So kick returning could very well be in his future in Atlanta as well.
“We’ve spent a lot of time with him, the coaches have, and he really has a great schematic fit, also a great personal fit for what we believe in and how hard he works,” Stefanski said, via ESPN. “But just a player that you can really line up all over the field.”
Falcons Finalize Zachariah Branch Rookie Deal
The Falcons and Branch made it official on May 7, with the receiver signing his rookie deal with the team.
According to Over The Cap, Branch’s rookie deal is estimated to be $7.09 million total, carrying a cap hit of $1.28 million in 2026, then topping out at $2.25 million in 2029.
The Falcons also signed rookies Ethan Onianwa, Harold Perkins and Kendal Daniels. They also signed 14 undrafted free agents.
The next step for these players will be OTAs, which for the Falcons are scheduled to begin on May 18.
Falcons Get Strong Tua Tagovailoa Warning On Rookie WR Zachariah Branch