Prosecutors have dropped criminal charges against Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who was arrested in April on misdemeanor charges. Branch's attorney Kim Stephens confirmed the dismissal after evidence review, stating Branch cooperated fully and never should have been arrested. The charges stemmed from an incident where police claimed Branch failed to comply with commands during a crowd gathering outside a bar.

The 22-year-old Falcons third-round pick faced charges of obstructing public sidewalks and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. Athens-Clarke County police responded to a call about a large crowd outside a bar around 1:30 a.m. on April 19. Branch had attended Georgia's spring football game earlier that day before the incident occurred.

Branch transferred to Georgia from USC and last season set the school's single-season record with 81 receptions. He also accumulated 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The resolution of these legal issues removes a potential distraction as the rookie prepares for his first NFL season with the Falcons.