FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Zachariah Branch
Zachariah Branch (WR – Georgia)
5-foot-10 | 180 Pounds
Background
Zachariah Branch was one of the top recruits in the class of 2023. He originally attended the University of Southern California, spending two years with the Trojans. In 2023, caught 31-320-2 (10.3), also rushing for a touchdown. Returned one kick and one punt for touchdowns as the team’s primary return specialist.
Was more of a pure receiver the next year, going 47-503-1 (10.7) before transferring to Georgia. Ended up being a high-volume option for the Bulldogs in 2025, with an 81-811-6 (10.0) line.
Positives
Three-year contributor for two different programs, with escalating production, taking about three-quarters of his snaps out of the slot. Georgia often tried to manufacture touches to get the ball into Branch’s hands, mostly on screens, some of them from motion, but also on other short passes. About as fast a receiver as you’ll see, and that speed allows him to influence coverage shells on routes down the seams.
Attacks an opposing defender’s leverage effectively through the route. Doesn’t need to gear down much through the route stem, with nice snappiness at the top of his routes to create windows for timing-based throws on patterns like curls. Offers a reliable pair of hands, with good focus and the ability to adjust a bit to throws. Makes subtle adjustments to create windows when working against zone coverage. S
hifty and fast after the catch, with good vision to weave through traffic and find lanes to rack up yards after the catch (roughly 80% of his career receiving yardage). Runs much harder than his size would suggest, with good competitiveness and physicality. Branch has two career return touchdowns to his name and will likely be used as a punt returner at the next level.
Negatives
On the small side for a pro receiver, and will likely be viewed as a slot-only option offensively by most clubs. Might struggle to release at the line of scrimmage against bigger, more physical opponents. Usage wasn’t the most pro-style, with a simple route tree.
The vast majority of Branch’s catches came behind the line of scrimmage (49/81 in 2025). Wasn’t frequently targeted at the intermediate or deep levels. Puts some bad body language on tape when the ball’s not coming his way. Doesn’t present the biggest target and might require a more accurate passer. As a blocker, will sometimes take his foot off the gas while the play is still going. Lack of ideal size limits his upside.
Summary
A blazing-fast slot receiver whose production at the college level came on manufactured throws, primarily screens, which took advantage of his dynamic run-after-catch skills. Shows good speed, explosiveness and snap as a route runner.
Branch is a bit of a tough evaluation because his usage/route tree wasn’t the most diverse, so some projection is required. Tape looks good. Looks like he might be a Day 2 pick, whose career will likely come in the slot and as a return specialist.
Projection: Round 2/Round 3
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