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·
Pearsall played on the first drive of this game in an every-down role. He’s expected to be a slot receiver in three-receiver sets when everyone is healthy, as he did most of last season. Even when the team used three-receiver sets, Pearsall was lining up on the outside rather than playing in the slot. Demarcus Robinson was the other outside receiver with the starters, while Russell Gage played in three-receiver sets.
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