New England Patriots: Rob Gronkowski shoots up NFL rankings

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 13: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots carries the ball after a catch as he is defended by Kevin Byard #31 of the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 13: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots carries the ball after a catch as he is defended by Kevin Byard #31 of the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots tight end had a much better showing in this year’s installment of the top 100 players in the NFL.

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski seems to have garnered some respect as the best tight end in the NFL. In the NFL Network’s latest installment of their top 100 player rankings, Gronkowski was ranked 15th by his fellow players.

Gronkowski is actually the first Patriot to make it on the list and shouldn’t be the last. Tom Brady should be near the top of the list.

Gronkowski’s rating shows just how important he is to the team. He is the Patriots biggest offensive weapon. It seems that no matter the situation Gronk is able to succeed.

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Gronkowski also has to deal with playing by a different set of rules. Similar to Cam Newton, Gronkowski seems to get bodied and mangled by some players and yet no flags are thrown. This is the only situation where Gronk’s size is actually a disadvantage.

In 8 seasons, Gronkowski has 474 receptions, 7179 yards, and 76 touchdowns. He is a truly unique player both on and off the field.

At the end of the day, it is hard to think that Gronkowski won’t go down as the best tight end of all-time. He completely redefined the position.

Last year Gronkowski was ranked 23rd in the rankings, and this is the 7th time he was apart of the list that is voted on by the players.

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Rob Gronkowski is truly an amazing player and it appears that the rest of the NFL realizes that they are witnessing history.