Charges against Falcons rookie, former Georgia WR Zachariah Branch dismissed

ATHENS, Ga. — Misdemeanor obstruction charges against former Georgia receiver Zachariah Branch, now a member of the Atlanta Falcons, have been dismissed, his lawyer said Wednesday.

Branch was arrested the weekend before the NFL Draft in April after a police officer said Branch did not move when asked and “smirked” at the officer. He was charged with obstructing a law enforcement officer and obstructing public sidewalks/streets, both misdemeanors.

“After reviewing all evidence, including videos, and discussing the case with us, the State agreed to dismiss all charges against Mr. Branch,” Kim Stephens, Branch’s lawyer, said in a statement. “Zachariah cooperated fully with law enforcement and did not commit a crime on the night of his arrest and never should have been arrested. We are glad this matter is over and that Mr. Branch’s excellent reputation and good name restored.”

The Falcons selected Branch in the third round of the draft. It was not clear whether the arrest had any impact on his draft position; while Branch set Georgia’s single-season record with 81 receptions, he is 5-foot-9 and was given a third-round grade by Dane Brugler, The Athletic’s draft analyst.

Branch, a Las Vegas native, spent his first two years at Southern California, then transferred to Georgia for the 2025 season, along with his brother, safety Zion Branch.