New England Patriots All Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski is the unquestioned best tight end in the NFL. He collected 22 receptions of 20+ yards, which ranked 4th most in the NFL and the highest for a tight end. He led the position group in receiving yards in 2015 with 1,176 yards, and he ranked 2nd in touchdowns with 11 scores.
Gronkowski has the record with five seasons with 10+ touchdowns, and he now has three seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards, which is the 3rd most for a tight end in NFL history. If he hits the mark this year, he will tie Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten for the most in history.
Gronkowski’s production has caught the attention of not just his fellow tight ends, but also players on the other side of the ball.
In fact, one defender says that Gronkowski is his favorite player to watch.
“Rob Gronkowski,” Ravens safety Eric Weddle said in the NFL information guide about the player he most likes to watch, “because he’s a beast and always does awesome things when he scores. When he makes big plays, you always think something good is going to happen. I’m always looking for his highlights.”
Weddle has been an admirer of the Patriots from afar and he wanted to join the team this offseason after the Chargers let the safety hit free agency. Unfortunately, the Patriots have a log jam at the safety position and it wasn’t meant to be.
Weddle has been one of the best safeties in the NFL over the past decade, so his praise is a sign of serious respect for Gronkowski and what the tight end brings to the field.
The Ravens travel to New England to face the Patriots in week 14. Weddle and Gronkowski will have a chance to meet each other on the field. Hopefully Gronkowski can exceed the expectations.