3 Observations: Rookie Oronde Gadsden Shines on Day 2 of Chargers Minicamp

Jun 11, 2025 at 04:13 PM

Eric Smith

Editorial Director

Day 2 of Chargers minicamp is in the books.

The Chargers held their second session of a three-day mandatory minicamp Wednesday. The non-padded practice lasted almost two hours at The Bolt.

The Chargers will wrap up minicamp Thursday afternoon but are slated to hold three more voluntary Organized Team Activity practices next week.

Here are three observations from Wednesday's minicamp practice:

1. Gadsden sees heavy workload

Oronde Gadsden might be a little sore after Wednesday's practice.

The Chargers rookie tight end had himself a day to remember as he hauled in seven total catches in team drills on the second day of minicamp.

Gadsden, a recent fifth-round pick out of Syracuse, flashed Tuesday on a wheel route from Justin Herbert that picked up 20-plus yards.

"He's picked up the offense really well and has been getting a bunch of reps with us," Herbert said Wednesday. "Anytime I can get out there and get him the ball to see what he can do, he's made some big-time plays.

"We've an exciting tight end group and he's a big of the puzzle for that," Herbert added.

Gadsden was back at it Wednesday with those seven catches, some of which came in 7-on-7 drills.

Gadsden had a pair of notable catches on the day, the first of which was on a medium depth crossing route from Taylor Heinicke.

Gadsden later connected with Herbert down the left sideline for a sizable gain in a team drill.

"Young guy, really afforded himself well," Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman said of Gadsden on Wednesday. "Very mature, I really think he's going to ascend quickly.

"He's flashing some really good things and as any rookie, he's learning a lot along the way," Roman added.

Gadsden spent his first season at Syracuse as a wide receiver before switching to tight end ahead of the 2022 season.

He later rewrote the school's record books for tight ends, setting new marks for receptions and yards by a tight end after 141 catches for 1,970 yards across in 28 games.

Gadsden, who is listed at 6-foot-5 and 236 pounds, was a 2024 First-Team All-ACC selection as he also earned Third Team All-American honors in his final college season.

Other notable offensive plays Wednesday included a deep touchdown pass from Heinicke to second-year wide receiver Brenden Rice.

Ladd McConkey also made a handful of strong catches, including one in traffic on a deep crosser in a team drill. Rookie Tre' Harris also made a tumbling catch from Trey Lance.

A final offensive note: Zion Johnson and Bradley Bozeman switched spots Wednesday as Johnson took reps at left guard while Bozeman handled responsibilities at center.

Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this offseason that the pair rotated days at the positions. Harbaugh noted Tuesday that he hopes to set a starting offensive line about eight to 10 days into training camp.

2. Gilman leads secondary

If Tuesday was Derwin James, Jr.'s chance to set the tone, Alohi Gilman filled that role on Wednesday.

Gilman led the way defensively as he forced an interception in skeleton drill with five defenders covering a handful of receivers and tight ends.

Gilman deflected a pass as Daiyan Henley grabbed the pigskin on the first play of the drill. Gilman then turned heads on the very next play as he swatted the ball away as it arrived for Gadsden.

James later had a pass breakup of his own while second-year cornerbacks Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart both nearly had interceptions but had to settle for pass breakups in team drills.

Rookie safety RJ Mickens, who changed his number from 41 to 27, had an interception in the deep part of the field on a pass intended for wide receiver Jalen Reagor.

Rookie undrafted free agent cornerback Jordan Oladokun also had a pass breakup on Wednesday.

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Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.