OTAs are kicking off for the Chargers, rookies, veterans, and everyone in between for opportunities to show the coaches what they’re made of. These camps have interesting scenarios play out as some veterans choose to stay home and train with personal coaches or trainers, which leads to young guys getting more opportunities than expected.
One of these young players is sixth-round rookie offensive lineman Branson Taylor out of Pittsburgh. A mauler who is coming off injury, who is trying to prove that he can make the jump from the NCAA to the NFL, whilst switching positions from tackle to guard.
Chargers Rookie Branson Taylor Reportedly Starting In OTAs
As mentioned previously, the context behind Branson Taylor’s start is very important to the situation. Superstar Rashawn Slater is holding out of OTAs for a new contract extension. Trey Pipkins III did not attend, likely training elsewhere, all while Zion Johnson is sitting out team drills during his position change.
All of these players missing time does allow an easy path for anyone to start, however, it is notable that Taylor is the first choice to start over guys who have been in the system a bit longer, even if he is splitting time with former UDFA favorite, Karsen Barnhart.
The direct quote from the Chargers regarding Taylor starting in OTAs is: “Jamaree Salyer slotted in as the left tackle while rookie Branson Taylor and second-year lineman Karsen Barnhart split reps at left guard.”
Future Plans?
The short answer is no. If Branson Taylor sees the field in year one, absolute disaster strikes, and the Chargers staff deserves major criticism for their lack of attention to detail about the interior offensive line.
The long answer is that the rookie sixth-round pick is an absolute project and deserves to be treated as such. This is not an indictment of his play or his profile, it is simply the truth of the matter. The offensive tackle out of Pitt is coming off a major knee injury. Beyond recovering from said injury, he is also making a move inside to guard.
It is easy to assume that it is a transition that is as easy as changing someone’s position in Madden. Even from a personal experience in lower-level football, moving around constantly, especially with less trust in your extremities, you tend to develop habits that need to be fixed and/or relearned during the transition process.
This could take as little as a few months for some (for example, look at Mekhi Becton took him one off-season for a successful move) and could take years for others, for example, Pipkins III and his unsuccessful move last season.
A sixth-round pick is likely going to take the longer path, allowing for his health and transition to take time. This is not a 2025 move, possibly a 2026 or 2027.
Branson Taylor starting in 2025 is extremely unlikely, even if the early practices show he is currently doing so. However, this is still impressive and good news in comparison to the general expectation for Taylor in 2025.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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