Ladd and OG
Now that the NFL Draft is over, we’ll look at the former Syracuse Orange to see how they fit in their new homes.
First up is tight end Oronde Gadsden, taken with the 165th pick by the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers and Jim Harbaugh traded two 6th round picks to move up to select the Syracuse tight end, which is always a good sign that the team really wanted him.
Gadsden joins veterans Ty Conklin and Will Dissly in the position group, but neither of them offer the downfield threat that Gadsden can. Both Conklin and Dissly had 50+ receptions last season, but neither broke 500 yards receiving. They are reliable safety-valves, but aren’t going to attack defenses down the seam like Gadsden’s able to do.
LA is looking for players other than Ladd McConkey and Quinten Johnson to help Justin Herbert and the passing game, so Gadsden should get a lot of look in passing situations working out of the slot and he could be a favorite target in the red zone.
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The Chargers focused a lot on offense this off-season as they look to surround Herbert with enough weapons to maximize his talent. There are still questions about the offensive line, so it’s likely that Gadsden will not be an every-down tight end next season. His long-term success will hinge on his ability to build a rapport with Herbert. If OG can be a reliable target for a franchise QB, he’ll get plenty of opportunities.