Former Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch was arrested early Sunday morning, according to the Athens Banner-Herald’s Marc Weiser.
The arrest occurred in Athens-Clarke County. Branch — a 5-9 slot wideout with hopes of hearing his name called during next week’s NFL Draft — was handed two misdemeanor charges of obstruction. He tallied the most catches in a single season in Bulldogs history last year.
Zachariah Branch arrest details
Branch was booked in an Athens-Clarke County jail early Sunday morning on one count of obstructing public sidewalks/streets – prowling and one charge of obstruction of a law enforcement. Both charges are misdemeanors. Branch was released two hours later, posting bonds totaling $39.
Branch was back in Athens for the Bulldogs’ annual spring game. He is projected to be a second-round pick in next week’s draft.
What did Zachariah Branch do?
Branch was arrested early Sunday morning and handed two misdemeanor charges: one count of obstructing public sidewalks/streets – prowling and one charge of obstruction of law enforcement. At the time of this article’s writing, it’s unclear what prompted Brach’s interaction with Athens-Clarke County police — a police report was not immediately made public.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero obtained the report filed by Athens-Clarke County police detailing Branch’s arrest. Branch allegedly “continued to stand” on a public sidewalk “without attempting to move”, according to the police report. Police claim Branch ignored lawful demands to stop “blocking the sidewalk”, saying the ex-Georgia wideout “smirked” while standing on the thoroughfare.
Zachariah Branch draft projection
Branch is widely considered to be a Day 2 prospect. NFL Mock Draft Database — a repository that aggregates mock drafts from various publications — has him listed as the No. 66 overall player in its rankings, pegging him as a likely third-round pick.
TSN’s Vinnie Iyer has the Commanders selecting Branch in the third round (No. 71 overall pick) in his latest mock draft. Here’s what he wrote detailing Branch’s fit on Washington’s roster.
“The Commanders need to get more dynamic in the slot to help Terry McLaurin and Branch offer more as a big playmaker with some outside upside.”
Zachariah Branch college stats
| Year | School | Games | Catches | Yards | TDs |
| 2023 | USC | 11 | 31 | 320 | 2 |
| 2024 | USC | 12 | 47 | 503 | 1 |
| 2025 | Georgia | 14 | 81 | 811 | 6 |
| Career | — | 37 | 159 | 1,634 | 9 |
