• Rookie TE Oronde Gadsden II has emerged as a top target for Justin Herbert in offseason workouts.
• Fifth-round pick Gadsden is impressing coaches with his versatility, intelligence, and physicality.
• Second-round WR Tre Harris is also building strong chemistry with Herbert, fulfilling his promise as a deep threat.
• The rookie duo is stepping up to fill the void left by veterans Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.

The biggest question looming over the Chargers' offseason was a simple one: After losing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, who is Justin Herbert going to throw the ball to? As OTAs and minicamp have concluded, two surprising and exciting answers have emerged. Forget the veterans for a moment; the kids are more than alright. Rookies Oronde Gadsden II and Tre Harris have been stealing the show, building an electric chemistry with QB1 that has the coaching staff and fanbase buzzing.

'He doesn't make mistakes twice and he's got juice. He's physical... I like where he is at.'

The Unlikely Standout: Gadsden's Rise

When the Chargers drafted tight end Oronde Gadsden II in the fifth round, few expected him to be the most active pass-catcher of the entire offseason. Yet, that's exactly what's happened. Gadsden has rapidly become a security blanket for Justin Herbert, showcasing impressive versatility and a quick grasp of the new offense. Coaches have lauded his work ethic and intelligence, with one noting his rare ability to avoid repeating mistakes. Gadsden isn't just lining up at tight end; he's learning multiple positions and contributing on special teams, a clear sign the new regime plans to get him on the field early and often.

Deep Threat Harris Building Trust

While Gadsden has been a surprise, second-round pick Tre Harris is delivering on his promise. The rookie receiver has been a standout in contested-catch situations, quickly earning the trust of his quarterback. 'Every throw he's made to me has been right on the money,' Harris said of Herbert, signaling a strong early connection. Working under the tutelage of WR coach Sanjay Lal, Harris is positioning himself to be the deep-threat complement to Ladd McConkey's route-running and Quentin Johnston's size. His emergence is crucial for an offense that needs to replace significant firepower.

Forging a New Identity

The rise of these rookies is a direct reflection of the new offensive philosophy under Greg Roman. The focus is on physicality, versatility, and a potent run game to set up the pass. Last season's offensive rankings—20th overall and 17th in rushing—are a clear benchmark for improvement. The Roman-Herbert partnership, now entering its second year of implementation, aims to create a more balanced and powerful attack. This includes getting rookie running back Omarion Hampton involved and establishing a ground game that makes the play-action passes to players like Gadsden and Harris even more lethal.

Roster Check: The Calm Before Camp

As of June 30, the roster has remained stable with no new transactions. The front office did its heavy lifting earlier in the offseason, bringing in key pieces like RB J.K. Dobbins, C Bradley Bozeman, and LB Denzel Perryman. Now, the focus shifts to health. The team is monitoring several injuries, including undisclosed issues for WR Mike Williams and CB Eric Rogers, along with knee injuries for OG Branson Taylor and CB Elijah Molden, and a rib issue for CB Ja'Sir Taylor. Getting these players healthy will be a top priority as the intensity ramps up.

With the offseason program in the rearview mirror, all eyes turn to training camp. The early hype for Oronde Gadsden II and Tre Harris is palpable, but the real test begins when the pads come on. Will their chemistry with Herbert translate to full-contact drills? Can the new-look offense establish the physical identity Jim Harbaugh craves? The foundation has been laid. Now, the real work of building a contender begins.