OrondeGadsden

News: 2 days agoGadsden recorded two catches for 24 yards on three targets during Thursday's 41-17 preseason loss to the 49ers.

Spin: Though his two receptions tied for the team lead and his 24 receiving yards ranked second, Gadsden's usage in the Chargers' second preseason game probably holds greater importance than his statistical output. The second-year tight end didn't log any snaps on either of the Chargers' first two possessions of the contest, with both Charlie Kolar and David Njoku playing ahead of him before being shut down for the rest of the night. Given that Kolar and Njoku were both rested the week prior while Gadsden saw snaps with the backups in the Chargers' 27-7 win over the Texans in the preseason opener, Gadsden could be trending toward a role reduction in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme. Since he still profiles as the Chargers' top pass-catching option at the position, Gadsden might be utilized ahead of Njoku or Kolar on third downs or hurry-up scenarios, but that sort of role could make his production highly volatile week to week and heavily dependent on game script.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Gadsden's rookie season was quite the roller coaster. The 2025 fifth-round pick didn't get much early run prior to exploding for 29.4 fantasy points in Week 7 and 18.7 points in Week 8. He went on to score one touchdown and average 6.2 fantasy PPG the rest of the season, never clearing 12.2 points in a single outing. Gadsden finished the season eighth or better at the position in end zone targets, aDOT, YPR, YPT and YPRR. The 23-year-old's second-half fall is concerning, and he now enters Year 2 set to compete for work with newcomer David Njoku. It's still possible Gadsden emerges as a featured target in new playcaller Mike McDaniel's offense, but consistent fantasy output may be tough in an offense that figures to spread the ball around. Gadsden is only worth a late pick in deeper leagues.