Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse

Size:

Height: 6’5” | Weight: 215 lbs

Accomplishments:

First-Team All-ACC (2024, 2022) • Biletnikoff Award Finalist (2022)

“Oronde Gadsden II is a big-bodied pass-catcher with excellent hands that should evolve into a dynamic big slot at the next level.”

Strengths:

• STRONG hands (16/27 on 50/50 opportunities)

• Catch radius

• Red-zone threat

• Body control

• Alignment versatility

• Mismatch due to size/speed/hands

Concerns:

• Route-running

• Limited route tree

• Struggles vs. man coverage

• Burst

• In-line effectiveness as a blocker

Film Analysis: 

Oronde Gadsden II primarily lived in the slot in prior seasons but made the move inside to tight end this fall where his receiving prowess continued to showcase well. He has a long way to go as a blocker as a further extension of the line of scrimmage, but his ability to create separation with his hand in the dirt or as a power slot (385 snaps in 2024) will pave the way for touches within an offense that prioritizes multi-TE personnel. 

Oftentimes, Gadsen is awarded free releases that allow him to dominate on timing routes. He has powerful hands to snatch passes out of the air with an elite catch radius.

Against man coverage, Gadsden does a nice job out-leveraging corners on slants and shallow over routes. He showcases quick twitch when working to the inside and is a nightmare to work around due to size (Georgia Tech). His top-end burst lacks however as a former ‘X’ wideout in the Syracuse offense.

Gadsden has operated on a minimal route tree canvas to this point in time. As a result, he struggles to separate against more experienced defenders in coverage. He will showcase a high chest at the line of scrimmage that longer, more nuanced corners will target.

In the run game, Gadsden utilizes his arm length well to jolt defenders back. That said, he lacks the requisite strength to drive defenders away from the play when engaged. Gadsen will need major improvements as a blocker and will need to add muscle if moved to tight end full-time.

Overall, Gadsden is an intriguing prospect whose size, ball skills, and comfortability in the air will see him project well to the next level. However, the question remains whether he finds that success as a flex tight end or a big slot. 

Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter

Written By: Ryan Fowler

Exposures: UNLV (2024), Pittsburgh (2024), Georgia Tech (2024), Clemson (2022), Notre Dame (2022), NC State (2022)

Oronde Gadsden II NFL Draft Scouting Report