Branson Taylor is a 6'6", 330-pound offensive tackle from Elyria, Ohio, who played for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers. A standout at Elyria Catholic High School, he was rated as a four-star recruit and the No. 22 offensive tackle nationally by 247Sports. Taylor enrolled at Pitt in 2020 and quickly became a fixture on the offensive line. Over his five-year collegiate career, he played in 45 games and started 21, primarily at left tackle. In 2024, he was named a team captain and started the first six games before suffering a season-ending knee injury against California. Despite the setback, Taylor declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, forgoing a sixth season of eligibility granted due to Covid.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Taylor was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the sixth round (199th overall). Scouts have praised his impressive size and physical tools, including foot speed and hand technique, viewing him as a promising depth piece with long-term starting potential at guard . However, some analysts have noted stiffness in his movements, suggesting he may serve primarily as an economical swing tackle. Overall, Taylor is seen as a developmental player with the potential to contribute in the future.
