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New England Patriots: Rob Gronkowski rubbing off on Troy Niklas

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 16: Tight end Troy Niklas #87 of the Arizona Cardinals runs out of the tunnel before taking on the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 16: Tight end Troy Niklas #87 of the Arizona Cardinals runs out of the tunnel before taking on the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Having Rob Gronkowski back in the mix for the New England Patriots not only impact the offense, but will make the other tight ends better.

Rob Gronkowski is back and enjoying football during New England Patriots mandatory mini-camp and one playing is paying extra attention.

Signed to a one-year deal this offseason, tight end Troy Niklas has something to prove this season in the NFL.

Following an injury-plagued start to his career while with the Arizona Cardinals, the Notre Dame product hasn’t lived up to expectations after being selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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With a similar build, the 6-foot-6, 270-pound Niklas is looking to learn from the league’s most dominant tight end.  If he has any chance of reviving his career, it will come from watching and taking notes from the five-time All-Pro Rob Gronkowski.

"“He’s just such a dominant player out there,” Niklas said following Wednesday’s practice, via NESN.  “Everything he does is just to dominate his opponent.  That’s something that anyone can emulate in our game.  So I’m just looking to get some of that.”"

Compared to Gronkowski coming out of college, Troy Niklas knows he has to put in a lot of work to even come close to that level.  Lucky for him, the New England Patriots aren’t looking for that kind of replication.  All they need is for Niklas to compliment Gronkowski.

He’ll have a battle on his hand.  Niklas will compete with fellow tight ends Dwayne Allen, Jacob Hollister, Will Tye and rookies Ryan Izzo and Shane Wimann to become that guy.

Gronk feeling good and feeling healthy

Part of what Troy Niklas will learn from Rob Gronkowski is how to take care of his body.  Bill Belichick may not want to hear this, but that may include Niklas becoming the latest player to join the Alex Guerrero circle of believers.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Gronkowski explained his absence from OTAs as part of taking care of his body.

"“I wanted to take care of my body, take care of myself and see where I was at before I came out here.  I think it was a good decision,” Gronk said, via Mike Reiss of ESPN.  “I was having all different thoughts – see if I really wanted to go through it again.”"

Much of those thoughts centered around retirement, but being back on the field and feeling healthy has brought the fun back into the game.  That is something that will rub off on Niklas and the other tight ends looking to make the 53-man roster.

With a healthy and happy Rob Gronkowski leading the way, the tight end battle will be something to closely watch.

Next: New England Patriots: Top 5 pass catching tight ends of all time

Now, it’s time to see what kind of contract the big tight end is going to get from the New England Patriots.  Then, things will be good again at One Patriot Place.

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