Amid a two-game stretch in which he’s posted 14 receptions and 232 yards, former Syracuse Football star Oronde Gadsden II has begun to make his mark in the NFL.
Despite a loss to the Colts, the Chargers fifth-round pick hauled in 7 catches for 164 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. His historic performance shattered the record for most receiving yards in a game by a Chargers rookie tight end, previously held by Antonio Gates in 2003. It also marked the most receiving yards in a game by a rookie tight end in 40 years.
Gadsden’s monster day was just the latest highlight of what’s quickly becoming a strong rookie campaign. The former Syracuse tight end ranks top-10 among all rookies in receiving yards, receptions, and yards per catch. He also holds the highest receiving grade by any rookie pass catcher through 7 weeks. This season, Gadsden averages 14 yards per catch. That ranks fourth among all NFL tight ends.
In four seasons with the ‘Cuse, Gadsden brought in 143 passes for 2,000 yards. Both rank top three all-time by a Syracuse tight end. Given his productive career at the collegiate level and his recent success in the NFL, it’s becoming a surprise that he slid so far down the draft board.
Long story short, the Chargers may have found the steal of the draft in Oronde Gadsden II.
