NFL draft: Chargers take South Carolina edge rusher Kyle Kennard
Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsden II runs a drill at the NFL scouting combine in February.
(Michael Conroy / Associated Press)
The Chargers traded up in the fifth round to snag Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsen II with the 165th selection, giving the 181st pick and a compensatory sixth-round selection (209th overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Gadsden set the single-season Syracuse record for receptions by a tight end with 73 last season, which ranked fourth among his position nationally. After shifting from wide receiver, where he played as a freshman, the 6-foot-5, 236-pound prospect claimed program records for career receptions (141) and receiving yards (1,970) by a tight end.
His pass-catching ability will be a key addition to the Chargers offense that also added tight end Tyler Conklin during free agency. Conklin called the Chargersβ scheme βtight end friendly,β as Will Dissly had a career season in the receiving game with 50 receptions for 481 yards and two touchdowns. Dissly joined the Chargers as a free agent more known for his run-blocking prowess. He previously hadnβt caught more than 34 passes in a season with the Seattle Seahawks.
