What kind of prospect is Chris Gronkowski?
by Anthony Gimino on Jan. 15, 2010, under Sports
Chris Gronkowski in a 2008 workout/Tucson Citizen photo
Arizona tight end Rob Gronkowski said one of the appeals of jumping to the NFL right now is a chance to play in the league — perhaps even on the same team — with one of his brothers.
Dan Gronkowski, who attended Maryland, spent last season with the Detroit Lions, appearing in two games. Chris Gronkowski, a fullback/H-back/tight end hybrid, just completed his final season of eligibility at Arizona.
We all know Rob has first-round talent — although his back injury, depth of this year’s talent pool and the lack of draft importance applied to his position might keep him out of the first round — but what kind of a prospect is Chris?
For sure, he’s going to get a chance.
“There are a bunch of different reports,” Chris said Friday, attending the news conference in which his brother declared early for the NFL Draft. “But I’ve heard as high as fourth to free agent. So, it’s all over the place. I just have to work hard, show what I’ve got, pretty much just get noticed.
“Hopefully, I can get a little help from Rob in getting noticed.”
Chris’ appeal to the NFL is his versatility as a guy who can fill some of those unsung roles on offense — and he can block and catch. He was never a focus of the Arizona spread offense, but he showed he could be a threat as a junior, when he had eight receptions for 198 yards and three touchdowns.
Arizona went more to an outside passing game this past season — mostly because of Rob’s season-long back injury — which diminished Chris’ touches, as well. He had four catches for 20 yards.
Draft analyst Rob Rang, of NFLDraftScout.com, said he sees Chris “as more of an undrafted free agent type right now.” He adds that Chris has value because of his ability to fill multiple spots and be a special teams player because he runs well.
“Certainly, the versatility is appealing,” Rang said. “I could see him getting some interest. You know he has versatile skills and he’s going to play hard.”
