Zachariah Branch

NFL Draft Profile: Zachariah Branch

Position: Wide Receiver | School: Georgia (via USC) | Class: Junior

Height: 5'10" | Weight: 180 lbs | Archetype: Slot / Deep Threat

College Career Summary

Zachariah Branch entered the college ranks as the #1-rated receiver in the 2023 class, making an immediate splash at USC where he became the first true freshman First-Team All-American in school history. Following a sophomore slump at USC, Branch made the high-profile decision to transfer to Georgia for the 2025 season.

In Athens, Branch evolved from a "gadget" return specialist into a true offensive engine. Under Kirby Smart and Mike Bobo, he learned the nuances of the SEC's physical coverage, eventually leading the Bulldogs in receptions (73) and receiving yards (744). His late-season surge was historic; over the final four games of the regular season, he averaged nearly 9 catches per game, helping Georgia secure a College Football Playoff berth. He enters the 2026 NFL Draft cycle as the most explosive "space player" in the country.

Career Totals (incl. 2025):

• Receptions: 151

• Receiving Yards: 1,567

• Touchdowns: 8 Receiving / 1 Rushing / 2 Return

• Drops: Only 6 in his entire career (per PFF data through 2025).

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Rec/Yds/TD)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Marshall	3 / 95 / 1	A	Dynamic debut; 47-yard TD; scare with lower-leg cramp.
2	vs Austin Peay	4 / 60 / 1	B+	Efficient; demonstrated elite short-area burst.
4	@ Miss State	8 / 68 / 1	A-	High volume underneath; elite YAC against SEC speed.
8	vs Ole Miss	7 / 82 / 1	A	Clutch performance in a 43-35 high-scoring victory.
10	@ Florida	5 / 77 / 0	B+	Constant nuisance in the "Cocktail Party" secondary.
11	vs Texas	6 / 41 / 0	B-	Blanket coverage limited deep shots; worked the flats.
12	vs Charlotte	4 / 55 / 0	B	Solid possession day; rested early in blowout.
13	@ Ga. Tech	5 / 53 / 1	A-	Rivalry TD; showcased improved route discipline.
SEC	vs Alabama	5 / 53 / 1	A	Found the end zone in a massive SEC Title rematch win.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 91/100

• Leadership: Vocal on special teams; a "spark plug" energy for the sideline.

• Mental Toughness: Handled the "star" pressure at USC and successfully transitioned to a more disciplined role at UGA.

• Competitor: Elite. Relishes the big stage; plays with a "score every play" mentality.

• Team Player: Embraced a heavy blocking role in Georgia's pro-style run game.

• Star Power: Instant impact; commands double-teams and safety "spies" on every snap.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 84/100

• Height/Weight: 5'10", 180 lbs. (Under 6'0" / 200lb targets).

• Stamina: High; maintains elite top-end speed throughout four quarters.

• Durability: Generally reliable in 2025 after missing time as a freshman at USC.

• Injury History: Mostly "scares" (cramps) and minor leg issues; medically cleared for 2025.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 95/100

• Catching: Natural hands catcher; very few drops despite high target volume.

• Route Running: Advanced. High-level acceleration/deceleration at the top of the route.

• Body Control: Exceptional; adjusts to back-shoulder fades and high-points for a smaller WR.

• Separation: Elite. Simply too fast for most college DBs to mirror.

• Release: Sudden; uses track-star footwork to neutralize press at the line.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 99/100

• Speed: World-Class. 10.33 100m speed; truly the fastest player on the field.

• Agility: Elite. Lateral twitch and start-stop ability are 99th percentile.

• Jumping: Surprising vertical (24-foot long jumper in HS); can play "taller" than listed.

• Acceleration: Sudden; reaches top speed in just 2-3 strides.

• Break Tackle: Uses low center of gravity and dense build to bounce off arm tackles.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 93/100

• Awareness: High; developed a "pro-feel" for finding voids in zone coverage in 2025.

NFL Scouting Report

• Strengths: Game-breaking speed; elite return specialist value (Jet Award winner); polished route runner for his archetype; high-volume reliability (dropped only 6 passes in 117 college targets).

• Weaknesses: Undersized frame may limit him to slot-only roles; catch radius is physically limited; may struggle against heavy NFL press-jam.

• Scheme Fit: Ideal Slot Receiver / Punt Returner for a high-tempo Air Raid or RPO-based offense (e.g., Dolphins, Bengals, Chiefs).

• NFL Comparison: Jaylen Waddle / Tyreek Hill (Lite).

Scout's Final Word

"Zachariah Branch is a lighting bolt in cleats. His move to Georgia in 2025 proved he isn't just a track star; he's a polished wide receiver who can carry an offense against elite SEC defenses. While he lacks the size of a prototypical WR1, his ability to score from any point on the field—including special teams—makes him a 'Wild Card' for the 2026 Draft. If he tests as expected, he’s a lock for the first 20 picks. Projected: Mid-to-Late 1st Round."