Devy Fantasy Football Sell: Zachariah Branch (2025)

A junior wide receiver and return specialist now playing for the Georgia Bulldogs, Zachariah Branch has garnered significant attention in Devy fantasy football circles due to his electrifying playmaking abilities.

Branch was highly recruited and immediately made an impact his freshman year at USC, showcasing his potential with notable performances including a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown in his debut game. However, despite these flashes of brilliance, there are compelling reasons to consider selling the wide receiver/specialist in Devy leagues, as it has often been a false facade.

Devy Fantasy Football Sell: Zachariah Branch (2025)

Offensive Production

While Branch’s special teams contributions have been impressive, his role in the offensive scheme has been less impactful.

During his freshman season, which was spent at USC, he recorded 31 receptions for 320 yards and two touchdowns over 11 games. Although respectable for a freshman, those numbers left us wanting more headed into the 2024 season. In his sophomore year, the Trojan played 12 games, increasing his reception number to 47 and his yardage to 503, with a slightly improved average of 10.7 Yards Per Reception (YPR). However, he managed only a single receiving touchdown during the season. This lack of production, despite having immense speed and talent, has left many fantasy football managers frustrated.

While the increase in receptions and yardage indicates a more significant role in the offense, his lack of touchdowns despite those opportunities may suggest challenges in red-zone effectiveness.

Return Game Impact

Branch’s impact as a return specialist also saw a decline. In 2023, he had 24 kick returns for 442 yards (an average of 18.4 yards) and a touchdown. In 2024, this decreased to just five returns for 105 yards (an average of 21.0 yards) with no touchdowns. Similarly, he recorded 16 punt returns for 332 yards (a 20.8-yard average) and a touchdown in 2023. The following year, his punt returns dropped to 13 for 74 yards (a 5.7-yard average), without any touchdowns.

Average Depth of Target (ADOT)

In 2023, Branch’s ADOT was 8.5 yards, indicating that his targets were primarily in the short to intermediate range. In 2024, his ADOT increased to 10.2 yards, suggesting a shift towards deeper routes in the offensive scheme. As a fast and explosive player, one would hope for Branch to capitalize on these opportunities more, but production did not follow.

Yards Per Route Run

The young receiver averaged 1.8 Yards Per Route Run in 2023, reflecting his efficiency in gaining yardage on routes. This metric saw a slight decrease in 2024 to 1.6 YPRR, indicating a marginal decline in his effectiveness.

However, the significant reduction in return yardage and the absence of return touchdowns in 2024 suggest a diminished role or effectiveness in special teams, which had previously been a substantial part of his value proposition. These factors may indicate a regression in his all-purpose utility, which is vital for maximizing fantasy football value, both now in Devy leagues and when he enters the NFL.

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Concerns & Considerations

Size & Durability Concerns

Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 175 pounds, Branch’s smaller stature raises questions about his durability to withstand the physical demands of a primary offensive role. The rigors of collegiate football, particularly in the SEC, can be challenging for undersized players, potentially impacting their long-term fantasy value.

Depth of Upcoming Classes

The College Football landscape is teeming with wide receiver talent poised to enter the NFL in the coming years. Players like Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Williams and Carnell Tate are among the prospects who could overshadow Branch in future draft classes. Given the caliber of upcoming talent, Branch may find it challenging to distinguish himself as a top-tier Devy asset.

Transfer Uncertainty

Branch’s recent transfer from USC to Georgia adds an element of further uncertainty to his future production. Adjusting to a new team environment, coaching staff and playbook can impact a player’s performance. Georgia’s offensive scheme and existing receiver depth chart may also affect his target share and overall usage.

Although he demonstrated increased involvement in the receiving game during his sophomore year, his decline in touchdowns, reduced rushing attempts and decreased effectiveness in the return game are concerning trends. Given these observations, it may be prudent for Devy fantasy football managers to consider selling high on Branch before these trends further impact his value.

Potential Trade Targets

The best time to sell is while Branch still has name recognition and hype from his Georgia transfer. Find a manager in your league who values speed and playmaking ability and use that to secure a more stable or higher-upside asset.

Depending on your league format and where your team stacks up, here are some potential names to explore in a trade:

Established College Stars (if Competing Now in Campus to Canton Leagues)

If you are aiming to win on the college side (Campus to Canton or College Fantasy leagues), look for more productive, reliable assets.

Trade Target Examples:

• Evan Stewart (WR, Oregon): More polished route runner with strong NFL upside.
• Kevin Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M): Likely the lead receiver in the room following his transfer portal move from NC State.
• Nic Anderson (WR, LSU): Another player landing in a healthier situation following a transfer portal move.

Future NFL Upside Players (For a Safer Devy Prospect)

Branch’s NFL upside is murky, so swapping him for a player with clearer NFL potential is a solid move.

Trade Target Examples:

• Ryan Wingo (WR, Texas): Could be the next elite Texas receiver.
• Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State): Developing within a strong receiver pipeline.
• Darius Taylor (RB, Minnesota): Top-tier running back prospect being slept on because he’s at a smaller school tgat could be acquired alongside another asset in exchange for Branch.

2025 or 2026 Rookie Picks (Building for the Future)

If your league allows trading Devy assets for future rookie picks, Branch could fetch a solid return.

Ideal Trade Package:

• Branch for a 2026 First-Round Pick: Target a pick likely in the top half.
• Branch Plus a Mid-Round Devy Pick for a 2025 Top-Six Pick: If a manager values his explosiveness, you might be able to upgrade your rookie draft capital.

Package Deal for a Young NFL Player (For Immediate NFL Help)

Since Branch won’t be in the NFL for at least a year or two, flipping him for a young NFL asset could also be the smart move for your team.

Trade Target Examples:

• Josh Downs (WR, Indianapolis Colts): Already producing in the NFL and has a strong slot receiver future.
• Jayden Reed (WR. Green Bay Packers): Emerging as a key weapon in the NFC North.
• Marvin Mims (WR, Denver Broncos): Former second-round pick who’s found a home in Sean Payton’s system. Six touchdowns in the final seven weeks suggest he’s a player on the rise.

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Bottom Line

Whether you target a proven college producer, an NFL-ready Devy player or a valuable rookie pick, cashing in now could prevent you from holding a declining asset. While Zachariah Branch’s dynamic playmaking ability, particularly on special teams, has earned him attention, several factors suggest that his long-term value in Devy fantasy football may be limited.

His modest offensive production, physical attributes, the influx of elite receiver talent in upcoming draft classes and the uncertainties associated with his transfer to Georgia all could lead to a capped fantasy ceiling. Savvy fantasy managers should consider capitalizing on the current hype to acquire assets with a more favorable outlook.

Thanks for reading my article on selling Zachariah Branch in Devy Fantasy Football! For more Devy and College Fantasy Football content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.