New England Patriots: Top 5 pass catching tight ends of all time
Rob Gronkowski (2010-present)
The New England Patriots all-time receiving touchdown leader, Rob Gronkowski cemented himself as he best tight end in team history before the age of 30.
Like Ben Coates, Gronkowski is uncoverable when healthy. Drafted in 2010, Gronkowski hit it off almost immediately with future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Tom Brady.
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With 42 receptions and 546 yards receiving in his rookie season, there was no doubt the Patriots found an offensive force to be reckoned with for years to come.
In fact, he followed up his rookie season with 90 receptions for 1327 yards and 17 touchdowns. Along with his dominance on the field, Rob Gronkowski’s personality off the field makes him just as recognizable to Patriots and NFL fans.
Through seven seasons in New England, Gronkowski has 474 receptions for 7,179 yards and 76 touchdowns. Those numbers are staggering, but one could only imagine what those numbers would be if he didn’t miss the majority of the 2013 and 2016 seasons due to injury.
Next: New England Patriots: 5 things we love about Rob Gronkowski
Speaking of injuries, the All-Pro tight end only played in 16 games twice in his career and that was his first two seasons in the league. While he is contemplating early retirement, the two-time Super Bowl champion is no doubt the best tight end Patriots fans have seen.
Then again, the same was said about Ben Coates.