Chowder and Champions
Fansided

New England Patriots: Top 10 Non-First Round Picks

By Jamie Gallagher

Oct 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (right) with owner Robert Kraft before the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (right) with owner Robert Kraft before the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 11
Next
new england patriots
Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Number 2: Rob Gronkowski

2010 NFL Draft, Round 2 Pick 42

Surprised?

Didn’t think so.

Rob Gronkowski is already one of the NFL’s all time greats at the Tight End position, and he’s only played 6 seasons. That’s scary.

Tony Gonzalez, who is regarded by many as the best Tight End in the history of the NFL, only eclipsed 1000 yards in a season 4 times throughout his 17 year career. Gronk has already done it 3 times. Gonzalez only caught double digit touchdowns 3 times and Gronk has already reached that milestone 5 times.

The 42nd overall pick in the 2010 draft is on pace to shatter every record ever held by a Tight End. His knee injuries have been an issue but if Gronk can stay on the filed and stretch his career out to last 13-15 years he will without a doubt be regarded as the best Tight End to ever play.

He is 4 time Pro Bowler, a 3 time first-team All Pro, and by far the hardest guy to match-up with across the league. He’s almost impossible to defend. Gronk is too big for defensive backs, and he’s too fast for most linebackers. He has some of the best hands in the league and can go up and get it with the best of them.

Gronk currently sits second all time in touchdown receptions in Patriots history, and will surpass Stanley Morgan as the all time leader this coming season, needing only 3 more. If he remains healthy for the 2016 season it is likely that Gronk will finish the year as the Patriots all time leader in touchdown catches, rank 3rd all time in receiving yards, and 4th in receptions. Incredible milestones for someone who will only be 27 at the end of the season.

He is the man on and off the field. His quirky personality and his upbeat and positive attitude have made him a fan favorite and someone that people admire and adore. When Tom Brady eventually retires, this is guy that will be the face of the franchise for many more years to come.

Next: 2000, Rd. 6 Pick 199

Home/Boston Sports