Wide receiver became a need for the Atlanta Falcons in 2026. With Darnell Mooney going to the New York Giants, the Falcons need a complementary piece with a different skill set than Drake London. They could look in-state to add a new playmaker in the draft.
Why the Falcons Are an Ideal Landing Spot for Zachariah Branch in the 2026 NFL Draft
Zachariah Branch had a breakout season in 2025 when playing for the Georgia Bulldogs. After two years at USC, where he struggled to break out, he transferred to Georgia and became a key player in 2025.
Branch led the team in receiving yards (811) and touchdowns (6), and averaged 10.0 yards per reception.
His yards-after-catch ability is a key part of his skill set and is something that the Falcons badly need. Drake London, their star receiver, does a great job in 50/50 throws, but he’s not the fastest player on the roster. Combining Branch with London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. could make the Falcons’ offense dangerous.
ESPN’s Matt Miller agrees with this view. In a recent article released on Tuesday, Miller noted how the addition of Branch would be great for the current version of the Falcons:
“Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia. Let’s stay in state for Atlanta and go with Branch, who posted a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash. His yards-after-catch ability from the slot would be ideal next to London and Kyle Pitts Sr.”
Although Jahan Dotson signed in free agency, he’s likely to be a depth option working more from the slot. Dotson, a former first-round pick, struggled in early stints with the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles: He had just 18 receptions, 262 yards, and 1 touchdown in 2025.
The Falcons would have to take Branch out of the first round, no matter how much they like him. As part of the 2025 deal to move up in the draft and acquire James Pearce Jr., their 2026 first-round pick, No. 13, currently belongs to the Los Angeles Rams.
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Another move Atlanta made regarding its passing game was applying the franchise tag to Kyle Pitts Sr. The tight end had one of the most productive years of his career in 2025, and the Falcons will keep him for at least one more year. Pitts can negotiate a long-term deal until July 15.
The quarterback position will see a battle for the starter job. Tua Tagovailoa arrived on a one-year deal in free agency, with third-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as his competitor. The Falcons’ offense ranked No. 18 in our PFSN NFL Offense Impact metrics, and they’ll hope to see improvement with such a strong roster.
