With established downfield options like Drake London and Kyle Pitts in place, most of Branch's work could easily come in the short area of
the field as a rookie. Aside from Ray-Ray McCloud in 2024, the Falcons haven't had a receiver truly thrive in that 0-9-yard range since Russell Gage, who gained 770 yards with an average depth of target of 9. 3 yards in 2021. If Branch's dime-stopping agility proves as effective in the NFL as it did in college, he could quickly help create more space for his teammates by forcing defenses to cover every blade of grass.
Nathan Jahnke·
@[Ray-Ray McCloud](320) was a surprise inactive. He played 50.9% of the offensive snaps over the first four weeks — a steep drop from 85.8% last season. After catching three passes for 51 yards in Week 1, he totaled just three receptions for 13 yards over the next three games. As a result, Kyle Pitts and Charlie Woerner effectively filled Ray-Ray McCloud III’s role. Pitts logged a season-high snap rate.
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