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Georgia WR Prospect Zachariah Branch Arrested on Misdemeanor Charges Days Before NFL Draft

Early league feedback suggests the misdemeanor is unlikely to alter his expected Day 2 draft range.

Overview

  • Branch, who was arrested early Sunday in Athens, was booked at 1:26 a.m. and released at 3:44 a.m. after posting a $39 bond, according to jail records.
  • He faces two misdemeanors listed as obstructing public sidewalks or streets, described as prowling, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
  • The Athens police summary says a crowd outside a downtown bar blocked an entrance, officers ordered people to clear the sidewalk, and a report says Branch refused multiple commands to move and was then arrested and cited.
  • NFL Network’s obtained report described him standing on the sidewalk after warnings, while Branch enters the draft as a Day 2 candidate following a Georgia-record 81 catches and a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the combine.
  • Personnel officials told NFL reporters that, barring new information, they do not expect the arrest to change his draft outlook, and teams will continue routine background checks this week.