For better or for worse, Georgia Bulldogs receiver Zachariah Branch has had quite the eventful week.
After being arrested for simply standing on the sidewalk, the Atlanta Falcons proved that the arrest does not speak on his character after taking him with the 79th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Zachariah Branch's season at Georgia
Though he only played one year in Athens after spending his freshman and sophomore seasons at USC, his impact on the team was unmatched. Branch was the focal point and key target for Gunner Stockton in an offense that heavily utilized wide receiver screens and routes towards the middle of the field.
He finished the season with 81 catches for 811 yards, more than double the second best on the team in both categories. His 81 receptions also set a single-season program record at Georgia as well.
Lack of opportunity vs lack of ability
Scouts and critics alike have had difficulty ranking Branch higher on their draft boards due to the way he was utilized at Georgia. It is easy to question Branch's ability to run deep routes and be a true weapon on any offense. Since Stockton averaged just over 10 yards per completion last season and the majority of Branch's catches being within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage, scouts have had serious concerns.
However, lack of opportunity and lack of ability are two seperate things that should be taken into consideration. In each season in college, he has had receptions go for over 35 yards and his ability to create space and his run after catch is unmatched in this draft.
Atlanta Falcons hit a home run with Zachariah Branch
Despite all the questions raised about Branch, there is a reason he was WR1 on a offense that was one of the best in the country. This is a pick that all Falcons fans will love, majority of who just so happen to be Georgia fans.
Between this year and last, these selections have reignited a fanbase tired of mediocrity. This is the perfect slot receiver option for Michael Penix paired alongside Drake London and Kyle Pitts. With Bijan Robinson in the backfield, the Falcons might have just made this one of the scariest skill groups in the league.
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