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In my positional breakdown of the New England Patriots, I ranked the team’s units from worst to first as we head into training camp. With Rob Gronkowski leading the way, the Patriots boast the best tight end unit in the NFL and are clearly the best positional group on the Patriots.
The Patriots also improved the position in the offseason. They added Scott Chandler, who always gave the Pats headaches during his time with the Buffalo Bills. Fred Davis was brought in to possibly provide the team with a proven ‘move’ tight end. They also return unheralded, but effective, Michael Hoomanawanui, who does the dirty work as a blocker. The Pats also have some young blood as we head into training camp, but breaking into this group will be a tall task.
Gronkowski, 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, suffered a knee injury late in the 2013 season, and the Patriots intelligently didn’t rush him back or give him too big of a workload early in the 2014 season. Even though the Patriots’ offense struggled while sporadically using Gronk, this decision really paid dividends through New England’s run to the Super Bowl title.
Gronk was, along with a few others, among the very best players in the NFL in 2014 and throughout the playoffs. He is among the most dominant offensive forces in the league and a matchup nightmare for opponents. In 15 games, including being used sporadically during the first four or five games, Gronk made 82 receptions for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season. In three playoff games he added 16 catches for 204 yards and three touchdowns.
When completely healthy, Gronk gives New England a player warranting double-teams. His ability to attack the deep seam clears out coverage and allows receivers to find room underneath. Entering his sixth season, Gronk has also become an emotional leader for the Patriots.
Chandler gives the Pats another huge target who should thrive in the red zone. At 6-foot-7, 260 pounds, Chandler has averaged around 45 catches during his past four seasons with the Bills. He provides another reliable target for Tom Brady and gives the team some insurance should Gronk suffer another injury. I wouldn’t expect Chandler’s numbers to change much, but having him and Gronk on the field at the same time will provide a major challenge to opposing defenses.
Most successful teams have a player like Hoomanawanui on the roster. He isn’t going to light up the statistics line, but he does the little things that help his team play winning football. Unless a younger, more physically talented player shows he can do the same duties at a better level, I would expect to see Hoomanawanui back for a fourth season in New England.
Davis enjoyed some real success during his time with the Washington Redskins. He had 59 receptions for 796 yards during 12 games in 2011. He’s 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, and creates mismatches with his quickness and speed. In order to stick with the Patriots, Davis, who missed the entire 2014 season after being suspended for breaking the league substance abuse policy, will have to flash the ability he showed earlier in his career.
Rookies A.J. Derby, Jimmay Mundine and Logan Stokes will battle veteran Jake Bequette, who has made the switch from defensive end to tight end.
Of these four, Derby is the most intriguing prospect and has the best chance to find a roster spot, or possibly a place on the practice squad. At 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, Derby was a college quarterback for Iowa and Arkansas before making the switch to tight end in 2014. He’s extremely raw, but flashed the potential to become an all-around tight end in the NFL.
As long as Gronk remains healthy, the Patriots will continue to boast the best group of tight ends in 2015. With the amount of talent at the position, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Pats keep four or even five tight ends on the roster as they attempt to repeat as Super Bowl champs.
Other Positional Breakdowns
10. Cornerback
9. Defensive Tackle
8. Safety
7. Offensive Line
6. Running Back
5. Wide Receiver
4. Quarterback
3. Defensive End
2. Linebacker
Nick Sardina is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Nick on Twitter @nicksardina13, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
