For the third year in a row, Pitt football will have an offensive tackle preparing for the NFL Draft.
On Saturday, redshirt senior Branson Taylor took to social media to announce that he is declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.
“First off, I would like to thank God for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love,” Taylor began in a post on X. “Next I would like to thank coach Duzz and all the coaches that trusted and believed in me to play at the University of Pittsburgh.
“I’ve had endless memories and fun playing at the University of Pittsburgh and would like to thank the fans that have supported the team and I over the last five years. Lastly, I would like to thanks all of my friends, family, teammates and a special shoutout to my mom and my brother and my fiance for all the love and support. I truly love and appreciate you guys.
“With all that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.”
Taylor’s final season with the Panthers was cut short due to injury, much like the previous two starting left tackles in Matt Goncalves (2023) and Carter Warren (2022). Both went on the be drafted with Goncalves selected 79th overall by the Indianapolis Colts and Warren with the 120th pick by the New York Jets.
Prior to his injury, Taylor was a key piece of the Panthers offense as a captain and an anchor on the left side. He started six games for the Panthers, allowing just two sacks and nine total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
The 6-foot-6, 330-pound lineman started in 11 games during the 2023 season, starting three games at right tackle before transitioning to left tackle after the Goncalves injury, where he would start eight games.
In 2022, Taylor played in all 13 games with four starts at right tackle. As a redshirt freshman, he appeared in 12 games as a reserve tackle.
The Lorain, Ohio native becomes the third Panther to declare for the draft with safety Donovan McMillon and wide receiver Konata Mumpfield.
