Buccaneers Named Best Landing Spot for All-ACC Tight End

Could the Tampa Bay Buccaneers add a playmaker at tight end in Syracuse's Oronde Gadsden II?

Nov 30, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange tight end Oronde Gadsden II (19) runs with the ball after a catch against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have quite a few needs to address in the NFL Draft in 2025. While most of those are probably defensive needs at places like edge rusher, linebacker and cornerback, there's nothing wrong with an offense boost — and it couid come at the tight end position.

Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski went through draft fits for the top tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he pinpointed the Bucs as a potential fit for Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsden II. Gadsden is a two-time All-ACC tight end and caught seven touchdowns for 934 yards in his 2024 season.

Here's what Sobleski wrote about Gadsden II:

"Oronde Gadsden II first played wide receiver at Syracuse. Then he didn't. Really, he didn't do much differently. His positional designation simply changed. The 6'5", 236-pound target is a power slot. He has thrived in that role, too... Gadsden's father played eight seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver. His progeny is a different type of target since he's bigger, heavier and less explosive. However, the younger Gadsden knows how to use his size to shield himself from defenders and make difficult catches, particularly over the middle of the field and down the seam."

The Buccaneers have primarily used tight end Cade Otton for over 90% of their snaps each time he plays on offense. Otton is bigger than Gadsden II at 6'5", 247 pounds, so Gadsden II projects closer to Bucs tight end Devin Culp at 6'4", 237 pounds. Because Tampa Bay already has a tight end of similar size on the roster in Culp, Gadsden II would be a bit of an interesting pick for general manager Jason Licht — but you never know how the NFL Draft will go once it rolls around in April.

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