The Atlanta Falcons have made several changes since the start of the 2026 NFL offseason, but arguably their biggest move was hiring Matt Ryan as the president of football. Despite his lack of front office experience, Ryan was given the keys to the franchise by team owner Arthur Blank.
The decision to bring back the former league MVP has gone over well with Falcons fans. Ryan knows the city well from 14 years as Atlanta’s starting quarterback, and his presence within the organization is helping inspire confidence.
The former Falcons QB created more buzz by showing up at Georgia’s pro day. A clip of Ryan talking with Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch got fans speculating about the 2026 NFL Draft. Branch is considered a Day 2 prospect and would fill a need for the Falcons at wide receiver.
Last season, Branch recorded 81 catches for 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns at Georgia. Prior to selecting Bulldogs edge Jalon Walker in the first round of last year’s draft, the team was often criticized for not taking advantage of the UGA-to-NFL pipeline.
This is why Falcons fans on social media seemed especially happy to see Ryan chatting with Branch.
NFL fans react to Matt Ryan-Zachariah Branch clip at Georgia pro day
Something to take note of here…
Georgia WR Zachariah Branch , @DjShockley3 , and Atlanta Falcon legend and current Falcons President of Football Matt Ryan having a conversation during Georgia’s Pro Day
Could we see the dynamic Georgia WR get drafted to the home state team ? pic.twitter.com/ujLDWr1En5
— Johnathan Hooker (@Jhook1507) March 18, 2026
Make it happen please this kid comes from legendary bloodline (CLlIFF BRANCH IS HIS GREAT UNCLE) IYKYK https://t.co/sLeRCbRX6c
— Ry-shea(87) (@BCHistorian87) March 19, 2026
Yeah this would be a good play, we could use him in so many ways. https://t.co/UMIqUPMdXt
— The Zonk (@SpeakSoftMike) March 19, 2026
Need it. https://t.co/om8wGu1D77
— Noonie (@theyloveNoonie) March 19, 2026
If I’m the falcons I’m taking a Georgia player with every pick. Time to change the culture https://t.co/31ZiuSPEPN
— Thomas (@thomasreddin2) March 19, 2026
If we draft Zachariah Branch man I’m gonna be so happy. https://t.co/XYq7nOMBVH
— Top Tier Georgia (@TopTierUGA) March 19, 2026
Falcons gonna draft every Georgia player, and you’re gonna like it https://t.co/KS1ZEKX10X
— Da ✘ski ✞ (@Damski32) March 19, 2026
We deserve our version of Tyreek Hill bring Branch home baby!
— Shane McConnell (@Shanedad0211) March 19, 2026
Oooooooooooo boy https://t.co/XKUcg7BqH0
— zach (@ZachNagel7) March 18, 2026
I be forgetting Matt Ryan tall as hell https://t.co/YMhJGMxqgt
— ⛵️ (@goativity) March 19, 2026
Yeah we had DJ working for us all this time and they still didn’t wanna start looking at UGA until recently…bro we are a weird franchise fr lmao https://t.co/6lDyQ9FGRW
— Offszn! (@ATL_4Real) March 19, 2026
Please please please please do something right for once https://t.co/AQSOVDeY4O
— Colby (@ColbyBoom) March 19, 2026
Branch is currently ranked as the 75th overall player on Pro Football Focus’ 2026 big board. The Falcons have five total selections in this year’s draft (Nos. 48, 79, 114, 197 and 231), but they won’t be on the clock until Day 2.
The 2026 NFL Draft officially starts on April 23.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, Zachariah Branch talk at UGA pro day