Rob Gronkowski on the DeAndre Hopkins to Patriots hype train

When it comes to a successful New England Patriots offense, retired NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski knows it well.

During his tenure with the Patriots, Gronk not only caught the ball from the greatest quarterback of all-time in Tom Brady, but he has also played under returning Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.

So, when it comes down to the blueprint for the team to get back on track in 2023, Gronkowski pinpointed that the team needs a big-time receiver, which everyone knows.  In an interview with Boston.com, the ex-Patriots tight end and future Hall-of-famer addressed the team’s needs which involved hyping up the current rumors surrounding one DeAndre Hopkins.

Former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski highlights blueprint for success

With the mutual admiration between Hopkins and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick fueling the fire of a potential trade along with the veteran receiver seemingly adapting the “do my job” mantra, Gronk was asked about if Hopkins would fit into that big-time receiver blueprint.

The answer was obvious.

"“That’s the guy that I’m talking about that needs to go to New England, that they need to go get,” Gronk said, via Boston.com.  “A veteran receiver like DeAndre Hopkins.  That would give the best opportunity for Mac Jones to succeed, with Billy O, DeAndre Hopkins, and a first round pick at wide receiver or maybe a second or a third round pick at receiver, bring in a few receivers from the draft and then you start hounding them in the OTA during the summer so everyone can get up to speed and have the chemistry built throughout OTA and training camp and stuff so they can go out and produce.  De Andre Hopkins is definitely a possibility for new England.  I can definitely see them making a play like that.”"

The face Hopkins has also played under O’Brien makes the fit a no-brainer, but what will the Patriots be willing to give up for a receiver who obviously fits the mold?

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If Hopkins is willing to restructure his contract, which he has recently stated his flexibility as far as the two years left on his deal, Belichick makes this move.

The production is obvious and given the chemistry Mac Jones seemed to form with DeVante Parker, having Hopkins on the outside will make life much easier for the third-year quarterback.  The one roadblock is that relationship between O’Brien and Hopkins.  Could they mend differences to produce something special in New England?

Patriots fans hope so and one of the team’s best all-time playmakers in Rob Gronkowski is now conducting that hype train.  The drama begins March 15.