Zachariah Branch WR USC | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Zachariah Branch WR USC
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Slot Receiver | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 09/27/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.35 seconds (93%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 20.7 DOB: 03/29/2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Slot Receiver | |
| Last Updated: 09/27/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2026 | |
| 40 time: 4.35 seconds (93%*) | |
| Age: 20.7 DOB: 03/29/2004 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 90.3 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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78% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 76.8 | |
| Hands: |
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77% |
| Short Receiving: |
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76% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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79% |
| Deep Threat: |
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81% |
| Blocking: |
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47% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Top 10
Overall Rank:
#10
Position rank:
#2
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| College Games: 20 College Snaps: 645 | ||
ESPN RATING: 92/100
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247 RATING: 99/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.1 (100%)
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Draft Profile: Bio
A dynamic playmaker with elite speed and agility, Zachariah Branch emerged as a game-changing talent for USC in 2023. The 5'10", 175-pound receiver from Las Vegas, Nevada, made an immediate impact as a true freshman, earning First Team All-American honors as a returner. Branch's exceptional athleticism and versatility were on full display throughout the season, as he contributed in multiple facets of the game.Branch's college career began with a bang, scoring touchdowns as a receiver and kick returner in his debut against San Jose State. He continued to showcase his big-play ability throughout the season, finishing with 31 receptions for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns. His impact was felt most significantly in the return game, where he averaged 18.4 yards per kickoff return and an impressive 30.8 yards per punt return, including two return touchdowns.
A highly touted recruit out of Bishop Gorman High School, Branch was a five-star prospect and the top-ranked receiver in his class according to multiple recruiting services. His high school accolades include being named the 2021 MaxPreps Nevada Player of the Year and earning a spot on the 2021 MaxPreps Junior All-American First Team. Branch's athletic prowess extends beyond football, as he was also a standout track athlete, winning state championships in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Exceptional speed and acceleration, consistently threatening defenses with his ability to take the top off coverages
- Elite change-of-direction skills, making him a nightmare to defend in open space and after the catch
- Versatile weapon, capable of contributing as a receiver, runner, and return specialist
- Natural ball-tracking ability, adjusting well to passes and making difficult catches look routine
- Explosive punt and kick returner, averaging over 30 yards per punt return and scoring on both kick and punt returns
- Quick feet and sharp cuts allow him to create separation in his routes, especially in short to intermediate areas
- Competitive toughness, playing bigger than his size and showing willingness to work in traffic
- Instinctive Ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and make adjustments on the fly
- Natural playmaker with strong instincts and the ability to find seams in zone coverage.
- Explosive after the catch, turning short receptions into significant gains with his speed.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Undersized frame at 5'10" and 175 pounds, which may limit his effectiveness against physical cornerbacks in press coverage
- Needs to continue developing his route-running repertoire to become a more complete receiver at the next level
- Could improve his hand usage to combat press coverage and create more consistent separation at the line of scrimmage
- May struggle with contested catches against larger defensive backs due to his smaller frame and catch radius
- Must add strength to handle physical press coverage and improve blocking ability.
- Occasional lapses in concentration leading to inconsistent hands and drops
Scouting Report: Summary
Branch's electrifying speed and agility make him a dynamic threat in any offensive scheme. His ability to create separation and generate yards after the catch aligns well with offenses that emphasize quick, timing-based routes and utilize receivers in space. His versatility allows coordinators to deploy him in multiple roles, including jet sweeps, screens, and return duties.While his size may limit his effectiveness as an outside receiver, Branch's ability to win with speed and agility will make him a valuable asset in the slot and as a movable chess piece in creative offensive schemes. His return ability adds significant value to his draft stock, as he can contribute on special teams from day one.
As Branch continues to refine his route-running and builds strength to better handle physical coverage, he has the potential to develop into a dangerous multi-purpose threat at the pro level.
How other scouting services rate Zachariah Branch (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
10.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
2.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.