Zachariah Branch is going to get us all in trouble. Branch was the top receiver in the 2023 recruiting class before landing at USC. In two seasons with the Trojans, he made his greatest impact on special teams, playing behind fellow 2026 draft hopefuls Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane offensively before eventually transferring to Georgia. He emerged as the Bulldogs' primary receiving threat, setting the school record with 81 receptions and finishing as a second-team All-SEC receiver.
 

Branch is an explosive athlete who landed on Bruce Feldman's 2024 Freak List. He is exceptional with the ball in his hands, both offensively and on special teams, ranking among the nation's leaders in yards after the catch. If you start putting the pieces together, a high reception volume combined with a high yards-after-catch tells a story. Branch saw most of his utilization close to the line of scrimmage. Despite his speed, he rarely showcased as a vertical receiver. Georgia's quarterback play could be a factor, but he often looked uncomfortable playing the ball, even when plays hit. If Branch finds the right role, he can be featured similarly to his Georgia usage and be a strong contributor in PPR formats. He has one of the widest ranges of outcomes in the draft, as his development remains a key variable.

Special Teamer to Pro Bowler

 

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For more information on Zachariah Branch and the rest of the 2026 rookie class, get our Rookie Guide today! And come back to this page after the NFL Combine and NFL Draft for updated information!

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