The Los Angeles Chargers doubled down on offense with their first two picks, taking North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in the first, then Ole Miss wide receiver Tre Harris in the second.
With the 86th pick in the third round, the Chargers took Oregon defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell. With the 125th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chargers selected South Carolina edge rusher Kyle Kennard.
With the 158th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft they selected they selected Auburn wide receiver. Then they traded into the 5th round to pick 165 in the 5th round to take Oronde Gadsden II, a tight end out of Syracuse.
With the 199th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chargers selected Pitt offensive tackle Branson Taylor
Los Angeles Chargers Select OT Branson Taylor With Pick 199
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranks Branson Taylor as the 18th-best offensive tackl in the 2025 NFL Draft class, writing, Taylor has workable tools but needs to iron out the inefficiencies in his game, which would allow him to play with more focus as a finisher. Several teams believe his best pro position will be inside at guard.
Branson Taylor established himself as a two-year starter at Pitt, primarily playing left tackle in offensive coordinator Kade Bell’s zone-based scheme, which also incorporated some gap principles. His versatility was demonstrated when he transitioned from right tackle at the start of the 2023 season to left tackle following a season-ending injury to Matt Goncalves (a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft). Taylor remained at left tackle until he himself sustained a season-ending knee injury, which also impacted his participation in much of the draft process.
Taylor, who initially focused on basketball in high school, displays pass-slide quickness to effectively counter edge rushers and possesses punch-ready hands. However, his lack of length and tendency to overset are areas of concern. While he flashes power in the run game, he needs to improve his tempo and pace to maintain balance throughout the duration of his blocks.
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