LA Chargers fans are eagerly looking to see which pass-catcher is going to step up as a true No. 2 behind Ladd McConkey. There are several options who can assume this No. 2 pass-catcher role, including tight end Oronde Gadsden II.
The Chargers drafted Gadsden in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft to add a pass-catching presence to the tight end room. While Gadsden's long-term potential is exciting because of his size and athleticism, there are not many expectations for him in his rookie campaign.
These understandable low expectations for a fifth-round draft pick may need to be adjusted. Gadsden is making a lasting impression during Chargers minicamp as one of the most active pass-catchers on the team.
Mini camp Day 2:
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) June 11, 2025
- TE Oronde Gadsden II was the most active pass catcher, with a bunch of catches, a few in traffic
- WR Brenden Rice had one of the days best plays with a TD grab over Tarheeb Still
- S RJ Mickens picked off Justin Herbert on a deep ball pic.twitter.com/Bmh3cxSBdn
Oronde Gadsden II is impressing during Chargers training camp
The six-foot-five Gadsden has all the makings of being an ever better version of what the Chargers previously had with Donald Parham. Gadsden isn't quite as big as Parham but his height, length and athleticism certainly stand out in the passing game.
Gadsden was one of the most compelling pass-catching tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft who only fell because it was a loaded draft class at his position. In any other year, it is not absurd to thing that Gadsden would have been picked on the second day of the draft.
As a pass-catching tight end who slipped to the fifth round, there are natural concerns about Gadsden's ceiling as an every-down tight end. He is a converted wideout, after all, and his frame doesn't necessarily scream blocking specialist.
Jim Harbaugh has been nothing but complimentary of Gadsden during minicamp and has alluded to the rookie being a better blocker than initially expected. Harbaugh said Gadsden is a, "willing blocker," and that he is bigger and stronger in real life than he looked on tape.
Everyone knows how important blocking is to Harbaugh and fans shouldn't take this compliment lightly. Not only does Gadsden have fun potential as a pass-catcher but he may get more chances if his head coach believes in his blocking ability.
Will Gadsden do enough to be a true secondary weapon for Justin Herbert in 2025? Probably not. It probably isn't the best look for the offense is a rookie tight end is the No. 2 target ahead of other options. However, he is already setting the table to be a reliable target for years to come.