Syracuse TE Gadsden II addresses draft rumors after injury

Syracuse TE Oronde Gadsden II Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Syracuse TE Oronde Gadsden II addresses NFL Draft rumors after season-ending injury

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/16/23

The Syracuse Orange announced Saturday that star tight end Oronde Gadsden II would miss the remainder of the 2023 season with a Lisfanc injury, leaving many to wonder if the junior may have played his final collegiate game with an NFL career looming.

Shortly after the news of his season-ending injury emerged, Gadsden released a statement, revealing his disappointment over the news while also addressing his future. Unfortunately for Orange fans, he didn't add much clarity.

"With regards to my future and the possibility of declaring for the NFL Draft, I haven't even begun to think about that," Gadsden wrote. "Right now, I'm only worried about helping the team in any way I can from the sidelines."

A message to Orange Nation pic.twitter.com/RyGb1gbU39
— Oronde Gadsden II (@Orondegii) September 16, 2023

The 2024 NFL Draft is still months away, but most mocks have Gadsden falling somewhere between the first and third rounds. However, the latest mock draft from Pro Football Network had Gadsden going to the Baltimore Ravens with the 24th overall pick.

A hybrid player of sorts, Gadsden has capabilities that go beyond your average tight end. An outstanding route-runner with run-after-the-catch ability, the 6-foot-5, 233-pounder is also a large, athletic target.

Gadsden suffered his season-ending injury last week in Syracuse's 65-0 blowout win over Western Michigan, but not before recording six catches for 57 yards and a touchdown.

The abrupt end to Gadsden's season is a tough pill to swallow for both the tight end and program. Gadsden excelled at tight end after switching from receiver ahead of his sophomore year. In 2022, Gadsden set two Syracuse single-season records by a tight end, finishing with 61 receptions and 969 yards.

Gadsden's production will be difficult to replace this season alone, but Syracuse might have to start thinking about life without him sooner than they thought.

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