by Anthony Gimino on Oct.08, 2009, under Sports
Gronkowski’s best move is to come back, draft analyst says
Arizona tight end Rob Gronkowski has not been made available to the media since successful back surgery late last month, but coach Mike Stoops said this week it will be 2-3 months before the potential All-American can resume physical activity.
Rob Gronkowski could be the top tight end in the 2011 NFL Draft/Tucson Citizen photo
The assumption has been that Gronkowski would return next season as a redshirt junior, re-establish himself in the eyes of NFL scouts, and then move on to the first round of the 2011 draft.
On other hand, if Gronkowski is healthy for the NFL scouting combine next February, couldn’t he just wow the scouts with his physical ability and rely on two good seasons of game film?
I talked to Rob Rang of NFLdraftscout.com, and he said option No. 1 is definitely the way to go.
“I think it would be a foolish decision to not come back and play college football,” said Rang, whose work also helps fuel the draft coverage on CBSSports.com.
“This is not a great senior class of tight ends, so I could see where he would have some encouragement to come out. But he has first- or second-round ability, and to come out early and put all your eggs in that basket in terms of workouts, I think it would be a risky move and not worth the risk.
“He certainly has the ability to come back and prove himself to be the elite tight end in the entire country.”
The way it has worked out this season, the nation’s top two tight ends — Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham and Gronkowski — won’t play a single down because of injuries. Gresham, recovering from a knee injury, already has said he would make himself available in the 2010 draft.
All things being healthy and equal, Rang said Gresham is a better pro prospect than Gronk right now.
“Gresham’s length and straight-line speed,” Rang said of Gresham’s advantages.
“He’s more of a receiver specialist, and in the way the NFL uses tight ends nowadays, that is preferred. He is a top 10-type of prospect.”
Rang said Gronkowski will simply need to show he’s healthy next season.
“His health is absolutely the critical element,” Rang said.
“If he comes out for the draft this year, he will be able to prove he is healthy enough to run the 40 and bench press and all that, but he won’t be able to prove he can take a hit (after the back surgery).
“Next season, he wouldn’t have to prove anything else in terms of ability. He has proven he can block, and certainly has proven he can catch.”
Related link at wildaboutazcats.com: Devin Ross’ draft stock is on the rise
5 Comments for this entry
1 Trackback or Pingback for this entry
-
Ross’ draft stock is on the rise | "Tell them … tell the team to bear down"
October 8th, 2009 on 2:49 pm[...] Gronk’s best move is to come back, draft analyst says [...]
Leave a Reply
Looking for something?
Use the form below to search this blog:
Still not finding what you're looking for? Drop a comment on a post or contact us so we can take care of it!
Visit our friends!
A few highly recommended friends...
Archives
All entries, chronologically...
October 9th, 2009 on 1:52 am
I certainly hope Rob comes back, for purely selfish reasons. With two less-than-complete seasons, it seems like it might be in his best interest. On the other hand, having already had back surgery, I can see him not wanting to risk another injury. I wouldn’t begrudge the guy either way, but I hope he’s a ‘Cat next year.
October 9th, 2009 on 7:02 am
The prospect for the Football team for 2010 has some interesting parallels to the 1988 UA Basketball program. The main reason for Arizona getting to the final four was due to Steve Kerr getting hurt, out for a year and coming back to just blow up the league.
For the 2010 football team, Grigsby could be a Heisman candidate, will have one solid year under Foles, many key players back, this becomes AZ best BCS game chance. Team could go undefeated. Depth both sides of the field, etc.
And give Miller some slack his first year. 2010 could ultimately be the best year in UA sports in the schools history.
October 9th, 2009 on 7:33 am
Mark,
2010 is sure intriguing for the UA offense. The only full-time senior starters right now are WR Terrell Turner, LT Mike Diaz, RT Adam Grant and H-Back Chris Gronkowski (which is a part-time position in the offense). I wouldn’t consider any of those guys irreplaceable, and the entire backfield will return.
October 9th, 2009 on 1:52 pm
AG,
According to the following link, Stoops mentions that Adam Grant is a candidate for a 6th year of eligibility:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/moretopsports/story/910133.html
Would be great to have him back for another year…
Lane
October 9th, 2009 on 3:15 pm
Lane,
Good find on the link on Grant. He certainly does fit the criteria for a sixth year of eligibility, having missed almost all of two seasons with injury. He would be another key piece for 2010.