By Ryan Myers
Photo Credit- Nunes Magician
At Draft 412, the NFL draft talk never ends. We will keep you ready for the next set of gridiron stars—from today and all the way until draft night 2024. We will bring you mock drafts, player profiles, individual team needs, and everything else you may need related to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Today’s Spotlight - Syracuse, TE/WR, Oronde Gadsden II
Name - Oronde Gadsden II
Pos - TE/WR
Team - Syracuse
HT/WT - 6’5” 223 lbs.
Born - 06/25/2003
Home – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Oronde Gadsden II came out of American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL as a consensus 3-star recruit by 247sports, rivals.com, and ESPN. At that time, he was 6’4” and 190 lbs. In his last two seasons of high school, he hauled in 37 receptions for 608 yds and 13 touchdowns, averaging 16.4 yds per catch.
As a freshman in 2021, Gadsden saw just 6 games of action and had only 2 catches for 24 yards. However, before the 2022 season, he made the switch to tight end after putting on over 30 lbs in his first year and a half on campus. That year, he played 13 games and broke out for 61 receptions, 969 yds, and 6 touchdowns at 15.9 yds per catch. This performance put him on the radar as a definite NFL Draft prospect after his junior season this year.
So far this season he has hauled in 7 catches for 67 yds and a touchdown in two games. In game 3 Gadsden suffered a season ending Lisfranc injury to his foot, probably a sign that he will return for his senior season.
A tall but slender wideout with strong hands, Gadsden has a natural ability to high point a ball and possesses great run after catch ability. He is a strong route runner and is a versatile weapon for his size, able to line up off the line or in-line, making him one of the most complete receiving threats in the class.
Gadsden is agile for his length and athletic enough to be a deep threat and a matchup nightmare for most average or below average sized defensive backs.
On the downside, Gadsden only has average speed and needs to improve his blocking to become more than just a passing game specialist. He’s a better run blocker than a pass protector.
A somewhat obvious player comparison for Gadsden is as a poor man’s version of former Florida product, and current Atlanta Falcon, Kyle Pitts. Pitts came out of college as a highly regarded TE/WR combo who could play in the slot or out wide.
Strengths
Route Running
Size
Versatility
Weaknesses
Average Speed
Run/Pass blocking ability
Separation ability
Final Analysis
Gadsden appeared to be a late round 2024 draft pick, but upon suffering a foot injury, he will be lost for the rest of 2023.
Draft 412 Draft Projection - With a lisfranc injury, Gadsden should skip the 2024 draft and return for his senior season.