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Oronde Gadsden II 2026 Fantasy Football Outlook: High-Upside Tight End Looking to Overcome Crowded Depth Chart in Los Angeles
A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden II emerged as a surprisingly important piece in his team's passing game as a rookie. Across 15 games (seven starts), Gadsden II recorded 49 catches for 664 yards and three touchdowns on 69 targets. He was one of the most explosive players in the NFL at his position, as his 13.6 yards per reception ranked first among all tight ends with at least 50 targets. There's no question that Gadsden II carries fantasy upside, but his playing time outlook in Los Angeles is uncertain heading into 2026. The Chargers signed veteran tight ends David Njoku and Charlie Kolar in free agency, both of whom seem likely to play relatively significant roles. Los Angeles also has several capable wide receivers, including Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre' Harris. Even if Gadsden II works his way into a clear TE1 role, he may not see the consistent target volume he needs to be a high-end fantasy tight end. Gadsden II might offer fantasy managers more upside than the tight ends that come off the board around him in drafts, but his profile comes with significant risk. All in all, Gadsden II projects as a borderline top-12 tight end entering 2026.
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