The Los Angeles Chargers may have found a mid-round gem in rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II. Just two days into minicamp, the fifth-round pick out of Syracuse is turning heads — not just with his production, but with his poise, maturity, and football IQ.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh admitted he was already impressed with what he’s seen.
“He’s doing everything we were hoping he could do in the receiving game,” Harbaugh said. “He looked a little thin on tape, but he’s bigger and stronger in person. And he’s a willing blocker too.”
That size and physicality were on full display Wednesday when Gadsden hauled in seven passes during team drills. Some of those grabs came with backup quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke and DJ Uiagalelei. But others came with Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ first-team offense — a sign of how quickly Gadsden is earning trust and responsibility.
Oronde Gadsden II Is Emerging Fast At Los Angeles Chargers Minicamp — And Everyone Is Taking Notice
“He’s picked up the offense really well and has been getting a bunch of reps with us,” Herbert said. “Any time I can get out there and get him the ball to see what he can do, he’s made some big-time plays.”
The chemistry between Herbert and Gadsden was clear. On Tuesday, they connected on a wheel route for a gain of over 20 yards. On Wednesday, they kept building. Gadsden caught a shallow pass in the flat, then created separation from All-Pro safety Derwin James Jr. on an out route for a sideline reception despite tight coverage from Alohi Gilman.
“He’s going to be a big piece of the puzzle for us,” Herbert added.
Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman echoed the praise, emphasizing Gadsden’s maturity and upside.
“Young guy, really afforded himself well,” Roman said. “Very mature. I really think he’s going to ascend quickly. He’s flashing some really good things, and as any rookie, he’s learning a lot along the way.”
Gadsden’s skill set is polished for a rookie. He brings the route-running savvy of a former wide receiver — which he was early in his college career — and blends it with the frame and matchup advantages of a tight end. After transitioning to tight end in 2022, Gadsden set Syracuse records for tight end receptions (141) and receiving yards (1,970) in just 28 games. He earned First-Team All-ACC and Third-Team All-American honors in 2024.
While he may not yet be a dominant in-line blocker, Gadsden has already shown a willingness to do the dirty work. That, paired with his pass-catching prowess, makes him a legitimate threat to rise quickly in a position group that also includes veteran Tyler Conklin.
During Wednesday’s session, Gadsden made plays at every level of the field, according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. He snagged a mid-depth crossing route from Heinicke and later reeled in a stop route over the middle from Herbert during seven-on-seven action. He continued to impress late in practice, catching two more passes from Uiagalelei with the third-team offense. On one, he beat linebacker Troy Dye on a slant, absorbing contact while securing a high throw. On another, he showed remarkable footwork along the sideline to stay in bounds and turn upfield for yards after the catch.
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“I think he’s going to ascend quickly,” Roman reiterated. “He’s flashing some really good things.”
The fifth-rounder may have been the 152nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but if minicamp is any indication, he’s playing like a top-50 talent. With his combination of size, athleticism, and polish, the rookie is already shaping up to be a vital weapon in the Chargers’ offense.
As Herbert summed up, “We’ve got an exciting tight end group — and he’s going to be a big piece of the puzzle for that.”
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