“Twitchy” and explosive: the rookie who could redefine the tight end position in the NFL
The Los Angeles Chargers tight ends coach has some high praise for one of their late-round draft picks, comparing him to a former top TE in the league.
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Oronde Gadsen II in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Gadsen, whose father briefly played in the NFL as well, started out as a wide receiver at Syracuse, but transitioned to the tight end position. And the Chargers’ tight end coach sees a lot of potential in the young rookie.
Andy Bischoff‘s projection for Oronde Gadsen II
During his final year at Syracuse, Gadsen put up 73 reception for 934 yards and seven touchdowns. He has impressed coaches with his receiving skills at the Chargers’ minicamp.
Dynasty managers take note:
— Theo Gremminger (@TheOGfantasy) June 12, 2025
Chargers OC Greg Roman on rookie TE Oronde Gadsden
"Young guy, really afforded himself. Very mature, I really think he's going to ascend quickly. He's flashing some really good things …”
73 catches last season
4.65 40 at 6-5/243
34.5” Vertical pic.twitter.com/2ln8aUTjbX
Chargers tight ends coach Andy Bischoff even compared Gadsden to Darren Waller, noting both players transitioned from wide receiver to tight end and share traits like quickness and strong separation in the passing game.
Waller, who had his big breakout season in 2019, was one of the NFL’s top tight ends at the time. Bischoff coached Waller during his stints with both the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants.
“I know it’s a huge, huge forecast, but I was fortunate to coach Darren Waller and Darren Waller was a receiver in college,” Bischoff. “We turned him into a tight end. He’s got some of those traits. It’s way early. Way early, but he’s twitchy. He separates, he does some really good things in the pass game. I think as he’s become more comfortable in our system in the last four or five days, I think people are beginning to see that.”
While Gadsden still needs to develop his blocking skills, Bischoff praised his willingness to improve, suggesting that growth in that area could earn him a bigger role in the Chargers’ offense.
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