Zachariah Branch Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Dale Zanine/Imagn Images)

School: Georgia

Class: Junior

Position: WR

HT: 5’10

WT: 180 lbs

Background: Zachariah Branch was a top 5 recruit in the 2023 class. Branch was the top-ranked wide receiver and top-ranked player in Nevada in his class. Out of Las Vegas, Branch played for Bishop Gorman High School. As a senior for the Gaels, he totaled 753 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 45 receptions. He helped lead the Gaels to a state title as a senior while also being named First Team all-state. Zac was also a prolific track athlete for Bishop Gorman, winning multiple regional championships across several events. Branch committed to play for  USC out of high school instead of Texas A&M, Alabama, Texas, and others.

College: Over two years as a Trojan, Branch tallied 78 receptions for 823 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. After 2 solid seasons with USC, Branch transferred to Georgia. In his one year with Georgia, Branch was a Second Team All-SEC selection after posting 81 receptions for 811 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Strengths: Zachariah Branch is a wide receiver who plays with rare speed and can find himself open on any route. He has the strength to go up in the air and rip contested footballs out of the air. Branch consistently makes difficult catches in traffic. When knowing he is going to take a big hit after a catch, he is still focused on making the play. In the air, Branch displays excellent body control to contort his body in whatever position to grab the ball and get two feet down in bounds. As a route runner, Branch has an excellent start-stop ability to throw defenders off of him and create separation in a phone booth. Branch can also create separation vertically by exploding off the line of scrimmage and stacking cornerbacks in the deep area.

Weaknesses: Longer cornerbacks give Branch problems at the line of scrimmage, knocking him off his route by jamming him. Branch seems to have a very simplified route tree that accentuates his speed. He does not have a well-rounded route portfolio. As a blocker, Branch gets overwhelmed by strength and size, as one might suspect given Branch’s frame.

Conclusion: Zachariah Branch is a speed demon who can create separation both in tight spaces and vertically. He is an athletic freak who can win in a variety of ways. His frame brings up questions about his versatility and durability at the next level.

Best Team Fits: ATL, CAR, BUF

Player Comparison: Jaylen Waddle

Player Grade: Round 2 (84.0)