The Chargers traded up to get Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsden II in Round 5 (No. 165 pick) of the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday.
The Bolts made a deal with the Eagles, sending Nos. 181 and 209 (both sixth-rounders) to Philadelphia for No. 165.
The Chargers now have three picks (Nos. 199, 214 and 256) remaining in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Gadsden is regarded as a strong prospect in the tight end class.
And he's fired up the Bolts came up to take him.
"It gives me a lot of confidence that they're rooting for me and they want me to play a role on this team by the time we get to preseason Game 1," Gadsden said on Saturday during his virtual media session. "I love them for that, I appreciate them."
The selection of Gadsden adds a young tight end to the position room alongside Tyler Conkin, Will Dissly and Tucker Fisk.
The 21-year-old Gadsden, listed at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, spent his entire collegiate career at Syracuse.
Gadsden was a 2024 Third-Team All-American after finishing the season with 73 catches for 934 yards and seven touchdowns.
He ended his time at Syracuse as their career receptions (141) and yards (1,970) record holder by a tight end, as his receiving prowess is something he said he believes makes him stand out.
"Better on the receiving end and still developing in the run game, still getting better, always trying to be the best player, best tight end I could be," Gadsden said. "You always want to be the best you can, you want to be a Hall of Famer."
Gadsden's father played six NFL seasons for the Dolphins. He caught 227 career passes for 3,252 yards and 22 touchdowns, including the final touchdown of Dan Marino's career.
Get all of your Bolts draft news at the Chargers 2025 Draft Hub.
