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Photo of Dan Gronkowski
Grade
?
  • 4.68 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 26 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 33.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 122.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 6.92 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.26 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 11.72 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'6" Height
  • 255LBS. Weight

Overview

The Gronkowski family is full of athletes. Dan is one of five brothers, including the Arizona Wildcats' Chris and Rob (a junior who earned consensus All-Pac-10 accolades in 2008). Their father, Gordie Sr., played on the offensive line at Syracuse. Dan's older brother, Chris, played three years in the California Angels organization.

Despite starting 17 games in 2006-07, Gronkowski was primarily used as a blocker early in his career, catching only 11 passes for 114 yards during that time. Though his senior numbers were far from eye-popping (29-287-3), scouts felt he emerged in 2008 and league coaches agreed, awarding him honorable mention All-ACC honors.

Gronkowksi's size, blocking skills and ability to move the chains could make him a solid reserve tight end in the NFL. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 1/2 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Strengths: Looks the part. Good height, and even weight distribution. Good initial pop at the line of scrimmage as a blocker. Good hand placement. Good upper body strength to lock on and has the leg drive to knock defenders off the ball. Good lateral agility and balance to stay square with the defender. Good effort at the second level to block downfield. Uses his hands well to get off the line of scrimmage and into his routes. Presents a big target to the quarterback and knows where the holes in the zone are located. Secure receiver who can take a pop and hang on. Weaknesses: Lacks the preferred athleticism for the position. Only a short yardage target in the passing game. Slow off the line of scrimmage. Lumbers downfield and struggles to sink his hips and generate any explosion out of his breaks. Lacks the frame to add much more weight.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.

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