ESPN lists Falcons rookie among players to watch in camp

The Atlanta Falcons went into the 2026 NFL offseason with a talented offensive core, but they lacked speed on the perimeter. The team attempted to address this in free agency by signing former first-round pick Jahan Dotson and later drafting Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch in the third round.

Neither player lacks speed, but there is some uncertainty regarding what their roles will be this season. Since the Falcons have a new head coach and offensive coordinator, the only thing we know is that they won't be so heavily reliant on the pistol formation.

Dotson is expected to replace Darnell Mooney on the outside, but we wouldn't sleep on Branch this season.

ESPN's Ben Solak highlighted Branch in his "five rookies to watch" segment. While Solak understands this offense will run through Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson, he feels Branch's ability to contribute on screens and quick hitters will make him valuable as a rookie.

"The Kevin Stefanski/Tommy Rees offense likes to throw screens and quick hitters to its receivers, and neither London nor Pitts are great yards-after-catch options," wrote Solak. "Branch was a tricky scout, as his 5-foot-10, 180-pound size is far too small to make him an every-down player in the NFL. But he can shine in a catered role that doesn't have too much volume and gives him plenty of space."

The Falcons have had a need for speed going back to last season. The team released Ray-Ray McCloud in the middle of 2025 and never found an adequate replacement. McCloud performed well in the slot in 2024 but his production was severely missed last year.

The addition of Branch should also make things easier on London and the rest of Atlanta's offense in 2026. London has never been a burner, and with more speed on the outside, he'll have more space to operate.

Dotson is an intriguing option as well, but is he going to simply provide depth or can he finally live up to his first-round billing?

These are things to watch when the players arrive for training camp in a few days. The Falcons' first camp practice is on Wednesday, July 29.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: ESPN lists Falcons rookie among players to watch in camp