Oronde Gadsden II, the son of former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Oronde Gadsden, has emerged as an intriguing tight end prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. After a successful collegiate career at Syracuse, Gadsden II is poised to make his mark at the professional level.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
Background
Gadsden II began his football journey as a three-star wide receiver recruit from American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida. He committed to Syracuse and saw limited action as a true freshman, primarily contributing on special teams. His breakout came in 2022 when he transitioned to a hybrid receiver-tight end role, leading Syracuse with 61 receptions for 966 yards and six touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Gadsden II’s 2023 season was cut short by a Lisfranc injury in the second game. He bounced back impressively in 2024, recording 73 receptions for 934 yards and seven touchdowns while increasing his in-line tight end snaps.
Strengths
Receiving Skills: Gadsden II’s background as a wide receiver is evident in his route-running ability and ball skills. He demonstrates good foot quickness at the top of his routes and uses his long strides to eat up cushions quickly. His precise route-running and expanded route tree make him a threat at all levels of the field.
Athleticism: For his size, Gadsden II possesses exceptional athleticism. He shows the straight-line speed to threaten defenses vertically and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His burst and acceleration allow him to separate from defenders effectively.
Catch Radius: With his height and outstanding arm length (33 5/8″), Gadsden II offers quarterbacks a large target. He excels at high-pointing the ball and making contested catches in traffic. His natural hands and body control enable him to adjust to off-target throws.
Versatility: Gadsden II’s ability to line up in various positions – in-line, in the slot, or split wide – adds to his value as an offensive weapon. This alignment versatility can help create mismatches in the passing game.
After-the-Catch Ability: Despite not being overly elusive, Gadsden II’s upper-body strength allows him to fight through contact and pick up extra yardage after the catch. He’s a tough, physical player to bring down in one-on-one situations.
Weaknesses
Blocking: As a converted wide receiver, Gadsden II’s blocking skills are still developing. He struggles at the point of attack against traditional power edges and may have difficulty sustaining blocks against NFL-caliber defenders. His lower-body strength will be tested in both zone and gap scheme concepts.
Size and Strength: While tall, Gadsden II is relatively light for the tight end position at 236 pounds. He may need to add bulk to his frame, particularly in his lower body, to handle the physical demands of the position at the NFL level.
Injury History: The Lisfranc injury that sidelined Gadsden II for most of the 2023 season raises some durability concerns. NFL teams will need to thoroughly evaluate his medical history.
Limited Experience: With only one full season as a primary in-line tight end, Gadsden II’s experience in a traditional tight end role is limited. This may lead to a steeper learning curve as he adjusts to NFL-level blocking assignments and defensive schemes.
NFL Projection
Gadsden II projects as a flex tight end or big slot receiver at the NFL level. His receiving skills and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to add a dynamic pass-catching threat to their offense. However, his limitations as a blocker may restrict his immediate impact and usage in some systems.
In the right offense – one that prioritizes passing game versatility from the tight end position – Gadsden II could become a valuable mismatch weapon. His ability to stretch the field vertically and create separation in the short to intermediate areas will appeal to creative offensive coordinators.
Given his upside as a receiver but considering his need for development as a blocker and injury history, Gadsden II is likely to be selected on Day 2 or early Day 3 of the NFL Draft. He projects as a fourth-round pick with the potential to develop into a starting-caliber receiving tight end.
To maximize his potential at the next level, Gadsden II will need to focus on adding functional strength, particularly in his lower body, and improving his blocking technique. If he can round out these aspects of his game while maintaining his receiving prowess, he has the potential to become a productive NFL tight end in the mold of a Ladarius Green-type player.
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