NFL Draft Prospect Zachariah Branch Arrested on Obstruction Charges

Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch was arrested early Sunday morning in Athens on two misdemeanor obstruction charges by Athens Clarke County police. The timing couldn't be worse for Branch - the NFL Draft starts Thursday.

Branch is projected as an early round prospect, likely to be selected on Day 2 of the draft. Day 2 includes rounds 2 and 3, where players typically receive signing bonuses worth hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

The arrest comes at a critical time when NFL teams are finalizing their draft boards. Teams often drop players down their lists when legal issues arise, especially for character-related charges like obstruction.

Details about what led to the obstruction charges are still emerging. Branch had been preparing for what was expected to be a lucrative start to his professional career.