The Chargers keep adding to the trenches, this time selecting offensive lineman Branson Taylor in the sixth round (No. 199 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Get all of your Bolts draft news at the Chargers 2025 Draft Hub.
Here are five things to know about the Pittsburgh offensive lineman:
1. Team captain
Taylor joins the Chargers coming off a year as one of the leaders of Pittsburgh.
The offensive lineman was selected as a team captain this past year, playing and starting in the first six games for the Panthers before missing the second half of the season with an injury.
In his time on the field however, Taylor was top 10 among ACC tackles in Pro Football Focus pass blocking grade with a 76.4.
2. Time at Pitt
The offensive lineman saw action in each of his five seasons.
After serving more of a reserve role his first two years, he went on to play 30 games from 2022 to 2024.
In total, Taylor played 45 games at Pittsburgh and had 21 starts.
Take a look through some photos of the Chargers selection at No.199 in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Offensive Lineman Branson Taylor from the University of Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh's Branson Taylor #78 is seen in warmups against Kent State in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Pittsburgh's Branson Taylor #78 in action against Kent State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Pittsburgh's Branson Taylor #78 in action against Kent State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Pittsburgh's Branson Taylor #78 is seen against Kent State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Pittsburgh's Branson Taylor #78 in action against Kent State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Pittsburgh's Branson Taylor #78 in action against Kent State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Pittsburgh's Branson Taylor #78 in action against Kent State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
3. Moving around the line
Taylor lined up at multiple positions during his time with the Panthers.
His primary position was left tackle, making 18 starts there over the course of three seasons with Pittsburgh.
However, he was also called upon to man the other side of the line as well, as he made an appearance at right tackle in eight career games.
4. Top Ohio OL prospect
Just like in college, Taylor manned both tackle spots over his last two seasons at Elyria Catholic High in Ohio.
And he broke out in his senior season, earning first-team all-state honors after not allowing a sack at left tackle.
Not to mention, Taylor was also a force on the opposite side of the ball as a defensive lineman, where he 50 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks his final year.
5. On the hardwood
Taylor's football journey is quite unique.
He actually began his high school career on the basketball floor, a sport he played growing up and where he became a first-team all-county player.
It wasn't until he was convinced to start playing football in his sophomore year when he eventually started his football career.
