Rob Gronkowski signed his rookie deal with the Patriots - will he be the answer to their red-zone woes?
The Patriots inked Rob Gronkowski, former Arizona Wildcat tight end, to a four year rookie contract – the deal can be worth up to $4.4 million dollars. Gronkowski joins Alge Crumpler and fellow draft-pick Aaron Hernandez at the TE spot on the Patriots roster.
After a breakthrough season in 2008, Gronkowski missed the 2009 NCAA Season with a back injury. Bill Belichick and company took a calculated risk in selecting Gronkowski, but his tantalizing skills in the red-zone proved to be too tempting to pass on.
Gronkowski is a traditional, balanced end that can throw a decent block. Expect to see him in nearly all two-TE sets, as the Patriots other TE’s are much more specialized. Alge Crumpler is almost a 3rd OT at this stage in his career, while Aaron Hernandez is more of a WR/H-back.
If Belichick makes good on his gamble, expect announcers to enjoy calling out “GRONNNK” early and often.
Tags: Contracts, Rob Gronkowski
I love Gronk, and his wide variety of skills…but Daniel Graham,(who was taken in the first round)-was supposed to be Ben Coates. And then there was…all-world athlete Ben Watson. There has been at least a dozen TE’s come here since Coates with high-hopes, none of them reaaally panned out. I have high expectations for Gronkowski and Hernandez, but i have to remind myself that most rookies dont even end up staying in the league, before i give them the yellow blazer.
Ben Coates part 2!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think that would make Patriot fans pretty happy.
Hope he stays healthy. Gronk is a nice big target for those 3rd and 4 situations.
GRONK!