ESPN’s Kris Rhim named Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II a potential factor in improving the passing attack.
Last season, the Los Angeles Chargers ranked No. 19 in passing offense and No. 17 in rushing. The moves made over the offseason by signing running back Najee Harris and drafting Omarion Hampton with the No. 22 overall pick should help the latter. As for the former? A second year in the same system and a step up from wide receiver Ladd McConkey’s explosive rookie year should help. But another factor, according to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, could be fifth-round rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II.
“The fifth-round rookie was the most active pass catcher this offseason, becoming a favorite target of quarterback Justin Herbert,” Rhim wrote. “At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Gadsden’s speed at his size (4.65 in the 40 at [his Pro Day]) has made him a difficult cover. The Chargers passing offense struggled mightily last season, which led to their first-round exit. If Gadsden can continue to be a receiving threat, the Chargers appear poised to take another step towards the Super Bowl coach Jim Harbaugh promised when he took the job last January.”
Entering the draft, Gadsden was the No. 8 ranked tight end by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, in a field of highly-touted talent. Brugler projected Gadsden to be a fourth-round pick, which means the Chargers may have found a quality player at value back in April.
Brugler’s Overview of Gadsden
“Gadsden is the type of target who doesn’t require his quarterback to be perfect because of the way he uses his frame, focus and long arms to pull in throws. Though he has functional athleticism as a route runner, his setup and pacing are still in the developmental phase. I was expecting more after the catch, too (just 27.5 percent of his yards in 2024 came with the ball in his hands, one of the lowest rates in the FBS). As a blocker, he gives quality effort and can get in the way, but he won’t consistently move defenders at the point of attack in the run game. Overall, Gadsden is an athletic pass catcher with the adjustment skills and catch radius to be a possession target in an NFL offense, although his average frame and marginal ability to sustain blocks create questions about his role. He projects best as an F tight end who can be flexed across the formation and should continue to get better.”
Gadsden has already established chemistry with Justin Herbert throughout the offseason activities. With a full training camp ahead — and being in Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman’s scheme which heavily favors tight ends — Gadsden could be a strong reason for marked improvement this season.