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It may only be NFL offseason workouts coming to a close, but players are already making an impact on their teams. Rookies, in particular, are beginning to showcase their skills as they pursue success at the professional level. The Atlanta Falcons, meanwhile, are already seeing a significant contribution from one of their newcomers. The team itself may also be on the rise.
A recent report from the Falcons’ official website suggested that third-round pick Zachariah Branch has worked his way into the starting rotation. The local Georgia product enters the league with plenty of room to grow, but he has already made a strong impression.
MORE: Terrion Arnold has 3 NFL teams interested in signing him, despite his legal issues
“Branch got the opportunity to show what he offers his new team and get his first taste of the NFL game during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. In those practices, Branch was a big part of the wide receiver rotation and worked with the kickoff and punt returners.” Will McFadden of the Falcons said.
Jun 16, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch (17) in action on the field during Minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Branch is a blazing-fast receiver who ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash. At Georgia, his route tree was extremely limited. Even so, that didn’t stop him from making explosive plays for the Bulldogs.
His stat lines may not jump off the page, but his run-after-catch ability ranks among the best in college football, and his speed is obvious on tape. His NFL Combine performance earned him an 8.32 Relative Athletic Score (RAS).
MORE: Lamar Jackson should push for Ravens to add controversial player
The biggest concern for scouts was the refinement his route running still requires. Small technical details stand out throughout his routes, and Georgia frequently utilized him in the screen game rather than asking him to run a more complete route tree.
Jun 16, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch (17) in action on the field during Minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The fact that Branch is already making an impact despite those pre-draft concerns is telling. If there is one head coach who can help accelerate his development, it is Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski emphasizes the running game but consistently puts his receivers in positions to succeed.
One example is his development of Donovan Peoples-Jones. The former sixth-round pick developed into a respected receiving threat for the Cleveland Browns before being traded in 2023. Since then, he has not matched the production he had under Stefanski.
Like most rookies, Branch still has plenty of work ahead of him. One thing is certain, though: he is already beginning to get ahead of the curve.
Continue reading...
A recent report from the Falcons’ official website suggested that third-round pick Zachariah Branch has worked his way into the starting rotation. The local Georgia product enters the league with plenty of room to grow, but he has already made a strong impression.
MORE: Terrion Arnold has 3 NFL teams interested in signing him, despite his legal issues
“Branch got the opportunity to show what he offers his new team and get his first taste of the NFL game during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. In those practices, Branch was a big part of the wide receiver rotation and worked with the kickoff and punt returners.” Will McFadden of the Falcons said.
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Jun 16, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch (17) in action on the field during Minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Branch is a blazing-fast receiver who ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash. At Georgia, his route tree was extremely limited. Even so, that didn’t stop him from making explosive plays for the Bulldogs.
His stat lines may not jump off the page, but his run-after-catch ability ranks among the best in college football, and his speed is obvious on tape. His NFL Combine performance earned him an 8.32 Relative Athletic Score (RAS).
MORE: Lamar Jackson should push for Ravens to add controversial player
The biggest concern for scouts was the refinement his route running still requires. Small technical details stand out throughout his routes, and Georgia frequently utilized him in the screen game rather than asking him to run a more complete route tree.
You must be registered for see images attach
Jun 16, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch (17) in action on the field during Minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The fact that Branch is already making an impact despite those pre-draft concerns is telling. If there is one head coach who can help accelerate his development, it is Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski emphasizes the running game but consistently puts his receivers in positions to succeed.
One example is his development of Donovan Peoples-Jones. The former sixth-round pick developed into a respected receiving threat for the Cleveland Browns before being traded in 2023. Since then, he has not matched the production he had under Stefanski.
Like most rookies, Branch still has plenty of work ahead of him. One thing is certain, though: he is already beginning to get ahead of the curve.
Continue reading...
