In modern football, the lines between traditional positions have blurred, with innovative offensive schemes placing a premium on versatility. Syracuse’s Oronde Gadsden II has embodied the shift, flashing as a dynamic weapon whose skill set expands an offensive playbook.
A first glimpse at Gadsden before ever turning on the tape will raise eyebrows. Whether it’s his rare combination of size (6-foot-5, verified 240 pounds) and athleticism, or his football intelligence, he’s become the centerpiece of the Orange offense. He has NFL evaluators begging the question of where his niche will ultimately lie considering his ability to do it all and do it well. Whether he’s lined up as a wideout or tight end, Gadsden’s presence on the field consistently forces fortuitous matchups for the offense and is a player whose skill set keeps coordinators up late at night to architect a plan to counter his game.
At 6-foot-5, Gadsden’s verticality possesses a frame more typically associated with a tight end, but his athletic traits are closer to those of an oversized wide receiver—similar to a power slot type of player that can overwhelm smaller corners but run past more physical, hybrid types. This intersection of size and speed is the foundation of his game, enabling him to dominate in multiple facets of the passing attack. In the context of Syracuse’s offense, now led by Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord, Gadsden is frequently deployed as both a slot receiver and in-line TE, where his size creates immediate mismatch nightmares. But it’s his fluidity and movement skills at that size that truly set him apart.
For a player of his stature, Gadsden’s route-running is sudden and fluid at all three depths. While larger receivers often rely on their frame and physicality to overpower corners or box out smaller defenders, Gadsden’s ability to change direction and maintain speed through his breaks is among the best in the 2025 class. He can provide a sure set of hands on third down to move the sticks, defeat a safety’s leverage to create chunk plays after the catch, or rise over the top of defenders in contested catch scenarios on high-leverage downs. It’s really a case of picking your poison for the opposition. Thus far in 2024, Gadsden has been unstoppable.
Through two games, Gadsden has caught 13 of his 18 targets for 201 yards and three scores. A year in which Gadsden will surely utilize to silence any doubters following an injury-shortened 2023 (two games played), early signs have showcased a player whose competitiveness and production will be hard to pass on come next spring’s NFL draft.
Positional Flex: A Weapon in Multiple Roles
While Gadsden’s physical profile pops, his positional versatility elevates his potential profile when projecting him to the next level. His versatility forces defenses to account for him in multiple ways, creating advantageous matchups that can be exploited in both the passing and running games. Whether he releases from the line in a two-point stance (hand in the dirt) after chipping a defensive end, or upright in the slot, he’s a focal point each time a defense breaks their huddle.
As a wideout, Gadsden has the traits to thrive on the outside, where his length and catch radius can be weaponized. In this role, his route-running, hands, and long strides make him an ideal target on both quick-hitters (where separation is prioritized) or longer developing concepts that allow Gadsden to push vertically. In the slot, Gadsden’s size advantage becomes even more pronounced, as most nickel corners or linebackers lack the footwork and range to keep up with him in man coverage. Syracuse has made it a habit to isolate Gadsden in these situations, where his quickness off the line to gain early separation presents the opportunity for yards after the catch.
However, it’s Gadsden’s usage as a hybrid flex weapon that has drawn the most intrigue within NFL circles. In Syracuse’s offense, he often lines up and splits time with Trebor Pena in the slot, detached from the offensive line where he can serve as both a pass-catcher and blocker. The alignment allows Syracuse to create mismatches in both the run and pass game, where Gadsden’s athleticism is too much for linebackers in space, and in the run, his length can blow back lighter corners.
While Gadsden won’t be classified as a traditional ‘Y’ tight end where players are often required to block ends in the running game, Gadsden’s willingness and technique as a blocker is fine at this point in his evaluation. Blocking, fundamentally, is about effort, and Gadsden, while not an overpowering man-mover, surely isn’t afraid to stick his face in the mud in one-on-one scenarios. In today’s NFL, where teams are increasingly utilizing two tight-end sets and players who can operate out of multiple positions, Gadsden’s ability to block at a serviceable level while maintaining his downfield receiving threat will add significant value to a pro attack.
Creativity After the Catch
One of the most exciting aspects of Gadsden’s game is his ability to create after the catch. Despite his large frame, he moves like a man of much smaller stature where his strides and foot turnover pick up yardage in the blink of an eye. He’s a nightmare to bring down in stride because Gadsden’s acceleration and contact balance can be deceptive, often leading to broken tackles and chunk plays.
What makes him even more difficult to bring to the turf is his use of leverage and balance. He frequently lowers his shoulder to absorb contact while maintaining forward momentum, making it difficult for defensive backs to bring him down on first contact—attempted arm tackles or diving at his ankles will leave defenders in his wake. Additionally, his ability to stiff-arm defenders and the use of a subtle spin move add another dimension to his open-field playmaking ability.
Wide Receiver or Tight End?
As the evaluation continues on Gadsden, the question of where he fits at the next level looms large. Is he a wideout, tight end, or a hybrid player capable of fulfilling both roles? It’s a question that will loom large for prospective organizations to answer.
On one hand, Gadsden has all the tools to succeed as a wide receiver. His ability to separate (from a variety of alignments) and create after the catch are traits highly valued in the modern NFL. In this role, Gadsden’s skill set resembles that of other big-bodied receivers like Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans, Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown, or to a lesser degree, Seattle’s Jake Bobo—players who use their size and athleticism to make plays.
However, there’s also a strong case to be made for Gadsden as a flex tight end. In recent years, players like Travis Kelce and George Kittle have redefined what it means to play tight end. While Kittle is different from Kelce as a pure in-line blocker, both have become integral, core contributors as players who can expand a playbook in multiple ways. Both players are heavily deployed as oversized receivers, often detached from the line of scrimmage. For Gadsden, his ability to do similar things showcases a few parallels.
Ultimately, Gadsden’s future may depend on the system he enters. In an offense that values versatility and creativity, he could be used as a hybrid player, similar to the way the 49ers use Kittle or the way the Chiefs deploy Kelce. Teams that are more traditional in their offensive schemes may view him primarily as a larger receiver, depending on their needs.
What makes Gadsden’s game so intriguing is not just his size or athleticism, but the way he combines said traits, and how the offensive game has continued to evolve. His versatility allows him to create mismatches that few players can replicate, and his ability to create after the catch makes him a dynamic playmaker within any offensive architecture.
As he continues to evolve as the 2024 campaign churns on, Gadsden has the potential to represent one of the more versatile and exciting pass-catchers in the upcoming draft class. Whether he ultimately settles in as a wideout, tight end, or a hybrid of both, he’s a name to bold as the college football season continues and we work deeper into the pre-draft process.
