Rookie Zachariah Branch Reminds Tua Tagovailoa of Jaylen Waddle

Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle played together for five years at Miami Dolphins.

Rookie Zachariah Branch Reminds Tua Tagovailoa of Jaylen Waddle

Zachariah Branch, Jaylen Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Tua Tagovailoa compares rookie Zachariah Branch to former teammate Jaylen Waddle for his speed and agility.
  • Branch was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft after a successful college career at USC and Georgia.
  • Tagovailoa is competing for the starting quarterback position with Michael Penix Jr. after signing a one-year deal with the Falcons.

Tua Tagovailoa has already found his new Jaylen Waddle, and it’s none other than rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback claims that Branch possesses the same zip in his feet that Waddle has.

The Miami Dolphins released Tagovailoa after six seasons. He was quickly signed by the Falcons to a one-year deal.

In Atlanta, Tagovailoa has several weapons in the offense he can target. But Branch is the only receiver who bears a striking resemblance to his former teammate Waddle. Tagovailoa said on Wednesday after practice:

I mean, the [Zachariah Branch] dude’s fast. The dude can play. Very shifty. He kind of reminds me of [Jaylen] Waddle. And he has the same number. Great kid. He’s got a good head on his shoulders. And he asks a lot of questions. I think that’s something very good that you like to see in your rookies.

The Falcons drafted Branch in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft. He played college football for both USC and Georgia. In his final season with the Bulldogs, Branch caught 81 passes for 811 yards and scored six touchdowns.

The Dolphins selected Waddle, an Alabama alum, sixth overall in 2021. In 78 appearances for the Dolphins, Waddle caught 373 passes for 5039 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. His best numbers came during the 2022 campaign when he caught 75 passes for 1356 yards (18.1 yards per catch) and scored 8 touchdowns.

The Dolphins’ new management under Jeff Hafley traded Waddle, along with a 2026 fourth-round pick (111th overall), to the Denver Broncos in exchange for their 2026 first (30th overall, which the Jets used to select WR Omar Cooper), third (94th overall, WR Chris Bell), and fourth-round (130th overall) picks.

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Tua Tagovailoa speaks highly of the Falcons receiver group

Tagovailoa was at the peak of his powers during a two-year spell (2022 and 2023) when he bagged a Pro Bowl appearance, led the league in passer rating, and in passing yards. He even helped the Dolphins end their long playoff draught.

Rookie Zachariah Branch Reminds Tua Tagovailoa of Jaylen Waddle
Tua Tagovailoa (Image via IMAGO)

However, injuries (concussions) and inconsistent performances led to the Dolphins parting ways with the former Bama quarterback. Tagovailoa left Miami with a 44-32 record. He threw 1647 completions (68%) for 18,166 yards, scored 120 touchdowns, and had 59 interceptions. The Dolphins took on a record $99.2 million in dead money.

Kevin Stefanski, whom the Falcons hired as their new head coach earlier in the year, persuaded Tua to sign a one-year deal. The Falcons boast an impressive receiving room, and Tagovialoa is enjoying throwing passes to them in practice sessions.

With KP [Kyle Pitts] and with Drake [London], I mean, those are some big dudes, man. You know, you can throw it up anywhere in their vicinity and they’re gonna make plays. And then with [running back] Bijan [Robinson], that’s just a special dude, man. And I’ve been around a lot of special dudes.

Drake London has been the Falcons’ WR1 since 2024. The former 8th overall is heading into his fifth year with the club, and so far, has accumulated 3961 yards and 22 TDs.

Right end Kyle Pitts has yet to scratch the surface of his potential that made the Falcons draft him fourth overall in 2021. That said, Pitts scored 5 touchdowns and registered 928 yards on 88 receptions, earning All-Pro honors last year. He will play the 2026 season under the franchise tag.

Arguably, the best player on the Falcons team is their running back Bijan Robinson. The Texas alum has come to the Falcons’ rescue on a number of occasions after he was selected 8th overall in 2023. He hasn’t missed a single game, racking up 3910 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on 805 carries. He has two Pro Bowls and an All-Pro honor to his name.

Tagovailoa may have the experience, but he’s not the guaranteed starter. He has to compete and beat out third-year signal caller Michael Penix Jr. Last year, Penix went 3-6 before Kirk Cousins took over the starter’s job and nearly helped the Falcons qualify for the playoffs. Cousins is now part of the Las Vegas Raiders. The Falcons signed veteran journeyman Trevor Siemian and rookie undrafted free agent Jack Strand before the start of the offseason camp.

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