3 ways Falcons could utilize Zachariah Branch during 2026 rookie season

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3 ways Falcons could utilize Zachariah Branch during 2026 rookie season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Falcons have some major questions on offense, but they entirely revolve around their quarterback room. Tua Tagovailoa is out for Week 1 due to an oblique strain, and Cooper Rush is starting, with Michael Penix Jr. also hurt.

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But while there are questions about the QB position, the rest of the offense is in good shape. Looking at wide receiver, Drake London is a great No. 1 option, while their depth chart with Zachariah Branch and Jahan Dotson isn't bad either.

While both Branch and Dotson are new WRs, the rookie is much more exciting entering the season. So, how will the Falcons utilize their rookie WR? According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the Falcons could use Branch in three ways this upcoming season.

3 ways Falcons could use Zachariah Branch in 2026

"The Falcons have their own exciting third-round receiver in Zachariah Branch, who could carve out a specific role as a gadget player and run-after-catch guy, especially on Tua Tagovailoa dink-and-dunk passes," Graziano writes. "Branch could make an impact as a return specialist at minimum."

Graziano believes that Branch could be used as a gadget player this upcoming season. But what could that actually entail?

Well, Kevin Stefanski could use Branch on jet motion plays behind the line of scrimmage, end-around plays, or as a receiver coming out of the backfield from a running back alignment.

When it comes to the run-after-catch options on the table for Branch and the Falcons, the screen game is going to be where Branch sees a lot of his work this season.

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Shallow crossers, swing plays, and other short routes where the Falcons can get the ball in his hands with space in front of him will be how he's best utilized on offense.

Lastly, the Falcons are expected to use Branch in the return game as a dynamic returner who can break off big plays for the Falcons on special teams.

While it might not be as exciting as a large role on offense, Branch making his mark in the return game could be where he makes the biggest impact in his early NFL career.

Graziano believes Branch will be used by the Falcons on gadget plays, run-after-catch play calls, and on special teams. He might not see much downfield work, but those shorter routes could turn into big plays with his elite playmaking ability.

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