Branson Taylor

Chargers selected Pitt OT Branson Taylor with the No. 199 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Taylor (6’6/321) brings two years of starting experience and a power forward’s frame to the 2025 draft class. A late bloomer with basketball roots, Taylor kicked off 2023 at right tackle before moving to the blind side and locking down left tackle duties until a knee injury cut short his 2024 campaign. His tape reveals a tone-setter with legitimate pop in the run game and hands that land heavy, especially on base blocks. Taylor posted a strong 8.49 RAS, buoyed by elite agility metrics (4.62 shuttle, 7.40 3-cone), helping him climb in space and recover on inside counters. However, his sub-33” arms and overeager sets leave him vulnerable to speed rushers who press his edge. He surrendered 6 sacks and 15 pressures in 703 pass-block snaps, and his 2023 PFF grades (64.8 OFF, 76.4 PBLK) reflect those highs and lows. Ultimately, Taylor profiles as a developmental guard with tackle experience and a tough, team-first mindset.