Falcons Select Speedy Receiver Zachariah Branch At 79 Overall

The Atlanta Falcons selected University of Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch with the 79th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft on Friday night. Branch can fly, has plenty of after-the-catch ability and explosiveness, and he should also factor in on special teams as a punt/kick returner. Branch spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at USC before playing for Georgia in 2025, where he caught an SEC-high 81 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games played. The 5-foot-9, 177-pounder is an absolute burner with elite speed and acceleration. He clocked a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in February. His game-changing speed will give him plenty of upside in dynasty fantasy leagues, and he could have a pretty big role in his first year in the NFL in Atlanta behind Drake London. The biggest concerns about Branch at the next level are his lack of size and his limited route tree.

Source: NFL.com