Pitt Panthers Lineman Branson Taylor Picked In The Sixth Round Of NFL Draft
Offensive lineman Branson Taylor was the first Pittsburgh Panthers player chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Branson Taylor with the sixth choice in the sixth round of the final day of the draft. He was the 199th overall selection.
Here is part of Branson Taylor's draft profile from Athlon Sports:
If not for a knee injury that ended his 2024-25 season, Taylor may have been a late-Day 2 choice. After he was sidelined, the Panthers averaged only 19 points per game and had a 1-6 record.
Able to play either tackle spot, Taylor also has the power to move inside to guard. This might be the long-term move for him, because he can struggle with athletic rushers on the outside. Taylor shows advanced skills as a run blocker, gets into his stance quickly, and has the power and short-area agility to be a reliable pass blocker.
Taylor was the starting left tackle for Pitt through the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He also started the first six games of the 2024 campaign before a knee injury ended his season. In his absence, the Panthers had a 1-6 record and averaged only 19.1 points per game.
Listed at 6'6" and 321-Lbs., Taylor also saw action at right tackle at Pitt and may project as a guard in the NFL. In his six games last season, Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave Taylor a pass blocking grade of 76.4, one of the best grades in the ACC.
Taylor was a potential Day 2 pick coming into last season before the knee injury. He'll need to improve his upper body movement but has outstanding footwork as a pass protector and good power as a run blocker.
Branson Taylor was the first of three Pitt Panthers chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft. Pitt also had three players drafted last season.
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