The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft with a keen eye on Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch. During a recent private workout, Branch showcased his skills by running routes and returning punts, catching the attention of the Saints' coaching staff.
Known for his electrifying 2023 season with the USC Trojans, Branch led the nation with an impressive 20.8 yards per punt return. His college career stats are nothing short of remarkable, with 586 punt return yards on 44 attempts and 752 kick return yards on 39 tries, including touchdowns in both categories.
Branch's ability to make plays with the ball in his hands is what truly sets him apart. He ranked tenth among 110 wide receivers in yards gained after the catch per reception, averaging 7.8 yards.
Pro Football Focus noted his knack for evading defenders, with 20 missed tackles forced, placing him 12th in that category. Last season, Branch topped the SEC with 81 receptions, amassing 811 yards and six touchdowns.
Yet, despite his impressive resume, Branch isn't projected as a first-round pick. He's expected to be a Day 2 selection, likely late in Round 2 or early in Round 3.
The reasons? His stature-standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 177 pounds-raises concerns about his durability.
Additionally, Branch primarily played in the slot during college, with 77.9% of his routes run from that position, and his average depth of target was a modest 3.6 yards last season. His experience running NFL-caliber routes is limited, and his performance against zone coverage hasn't been stellar, ranking 151st among 200 wideouts.
However, Branch's potential can't be overlooked. He excelled in NFL passer rating against man coverage, and his speed is a game-changing asset.
While he relied heavily on screen plays at Georgia and USC, accounting for a significant portion of his yards, transitioning to the NFL will require him to expand his repertoire. There's no doubt Branch has the talent, but he'll need to adapt to the complexities of pro-level defenses to make a significant impact.