As the NFL Draft slowly approaches, it’s important that players stay in the best shape on the field, but also off the field. That latter pertains to Georgia football wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who was arrested for obstructing public sidewalks/streets-prowling and obstruction of a law enforcement officer, according to Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald.
Branch was booked into the Clarke County Jail at 1:26 a.m. on April 19 and released on bonds totaling $39 at 3:44 a.m, according to the jail’s booking report.
Branch is projected as a Day 2 pick, but with this latest news, it’s uncertain if his draft stock will be affected. Last season, he set the single-season reception record with 81 catches for 811 yards and 6 touchdowns.
The good news that may save Branch is that he didn’t have any issues off the field before this, and teams can look at this as just a mistake.
Georgia players have had a recent history of getting arrested. Just two months ago, linebackers Chris Cole and Darren Ikinnagbo were arrested on several misdemeanor driving charges.
Cole was charged with speeding and reckless driving, while Ikinnagbo was charged with following too closely, speeding, and reckless driving.
In March 2025, Nitro Tuggle was pulled over for driving at 107 miles per hour in a 65 MPH area, according to the Athens-Banner Herald. The officer who filed the official police report says that Tuggle “nearly exited without placing the vehicle in park.”
The hope is that Branch can have this moment pass him, and teams can do the same as the draft is near.
As the NFL Draft slowly approaches, it’s important that players stay in the best shape on the field, but also off the field. That latter pertains to Georgia football wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who was arrested for obstructing public sidewalks/streets-prowling and obstruction of a law enforcement officer, according to Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald.