David Njoku and Charlie Kolar's presences at training camp have been more of a story in the TE room for the Chargers so far. But don't forget about second-year TE Oronde Gadsden II. A year after breaking the Chargers rookie TE record for receptions and yards, he'll still be in the offensive mix. But obviously, his production could look different if Kolar and Njoku take some of those first-team reps away.
The receiving part of the equation has never been an issue for the Syracuse product. But Gadsden admitted on Saturday that blocking is something he needs to be better at in 2026.
Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden wants to be a better blocker for the team in order to stay on the field.
"Definitely getting bigger and working in the run game," Gadsden said in response to a question on what he worked on in the offseason.
"I was close to being in the 30s (230 lbs.) last season and was just getting thrown around in the run game," Gadsden said as he delivered an honest assessment of his 2025 campaign.
On if there was a certain goal he was trying to reach, Gadsden said he was aiming to be in the range of 250-255 pounds. Gadsden was not far off from that range last season before it started. But it was his first true experience of an NFL season where players can often struggle to keep weight on.
"I didn't play those first two games because I wasn't able to block," Gadsden said of his initial healthy scratches start to the 2025 season.
"That's the only way you're going to get on the field. You don't want to be one of them guys that's just not [able to block]," Gadsden said. "Whatever gets you out there."
Gadsden mentioned talking to Kolar about initially not being known as a blocker when he came into the league and his journey into becoming a traditional Y. Every line in this press conference made it clear that he's truly following the mentality of, "no block, no rock".
As for the role he sees himself playing in OC Mike McDaniel's offense, Gadsden had an interesting comp. He mentioned personally working out with Jonnu Smith in the offseason and picking his brain. Smith's Miami role stands out as one of the most accurate Gadsden personnel comps for McDaniel. Darren Waller in 2025 is another one that would make sense based on the tape.
Gadsden will likely work more on special teams if Kolar and Njoku are in theory ahead of him on the depth chart. He accepted the responsibilities of that role in this press conference in addition to improving his blocking.
The sky is the limit for Gadsden if he can figure out run and pass blocking in his sophomore season.
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