Syracuse Tight End Oronde Gadsden II Could Be Mid-Round NFL Draft Steal

Story by

Story by
Syracuse Tight End Oronde Gadsden II Could Be Mid-Round NFL Draft Steal

Bob Rose · Athlon Sports

Fri, Apr 18, 2025 ·

4 min read

About Our Ads

The New Orleans Saints are no strangers to bringing in players with NFL bloodlines. It's a strategy that's also paid off well in the past.

The most famous example of this is defensive end Cameron Jordan , son of former Pro Bowl tight end Steve Jordan. However, he's not the only player with NFL lineage that has had success with the Saints.

New Orleans comes into the 2025 NFL Draft with loads of needs at several positions. To fill one of those needs, the Saints may again tap into NFL bloodlines with a mid-round selection.

Oronde Gadsden II, TE (Syracuse)

Syracuse Orange tight end Oronde Gadsden II (19) catches a touchdown against the Washington State Cougars. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images

Oronde Gadsden was a wideout for the Miami Dolphins from 1998 to 2003 and had 227 career catches for 3,252 yards and 22 scores. His son, Oronde II, committed to Syracuse University out of American Heritage High School in Florida.

As a freshman wide receiver in 2021, Gadsden saw mostly special teams duty and caught just two passes. In 2022, Gadsden earned 1st Team All-ACC recognition after leading the Orange with 61 receptions for 975 yards and 6 touchdowns.

A foot injury limited Gadsden to two games in 2023. He'd return the following year with a position switch to tight end. Gadsden responded to the move with 73 catches for 934 yards and 7 scores. That led to another 1st Team All-ACC selection and 3rd Team All-American honors.

Syracuse Orange tight end Oronde Gadsden II (19) runs after a reception against the Ohio Bobcats. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Gadsden is a prototype of the modern NFL tight end; a bulked-up pass catcher that presents matchup problems for defenses. However, he'll still need to improve his blocking and other areas to be a factor on an NFL roster.

His fairly recent position change from wideout is evident, Gadsden must improve his strength and technique as an in-line blocker. He is often a non-factor in the running game, an area that must get better for every down duties.

As a receiver, Gadsden often gets hung up by press coverage or lost in heavy traffic areas. He has just average change-of-direction, leading to a limited route tree and not great elusiveness in the open field.

Oronde Gadsden II (19) of the Syracuse Orange catches a touchdown pass against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Listed at 6'5" and bulked-up to 243-Lbs., Gadsden presents a size advantage against defensive backs and an athletic mismatch for linebackers down the field. His experience in running receiver routes gives him the versatility to be effective from the slot and the outside.

Gadsden has outstanding hands and a tremendous catch radius. This, along with his size, allows him to win most contested throws and will improve even more as he learns better to use his body to shield defenders.

With good vertical speed and a long stride, Gadsden is a legitimate threat on deep balls. This often forces defenders to give him some cushion, which allows him room to get open on underneath routes.

Gadsden has the ability to run the route tree of a wideout. He has terrific body control to adjust to off-target throws. His ability to get open on intermediate routes is expected to improve tremendously with more reps as a tight end.

Syracuse Orange wide receiver Oronde Gadsden II (19) catches a touchdown against the Purdue Boilermakers. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Oronde Gadsden II is projected as a probable Day 3 pick. However, don't be surprised if a team selects him as early as the third round on the second day.

Gadsden's inexperience at the tight end spot and blocking deficiencies may push him down some draft boards. The matchup advantages he brings as a pass catcher and terrific upside will also be too tantalizing for other teams to pass up.

If he improves as a blocker, Gadsden has the upside to be a regular starter. At the very least, he'll add value as a receiver and matchup weapon in the red zone or situational packages.

The New Orleans Saints lack a big-bodied pass catcher for new coach Kellen Moore's offense. Most assume that the Saints will target a bigger wideout. Oronde Gadsen II could also provide what this team is missing as a hybrid tight end.

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: