Overview
- Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Zachariah Branch fits Atlanta’s scheme and personality and described the third-round pick as a player they can line up all over the field.
- Stefanski also highlighted Branch’s special-teams impact, with the rookie expected to handle both kick and punt returns after scoring multiple return touchdowns in college.
- CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson labeled Branch the team’s most surprising pick and flagged his 5-foot-8 size, a limited college route tree, and body-catching habits that shrink his catch radius.
- Sports Illustrated gave Atlanta a C and ranked the class 28th, praising second-round corner Avieon Terrell as an instant contributor but saying Branch must show enough play strength to be more than a gadget option.
- NFL.com tagged sixth-round linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. as a sleeper despite an ACL tear and role questions, while fellow addition Kendal Daniels offers versatility for Jeff Ulbrich’s position-flexible defense.