New England Patriots Positional Analysis: Tight Ends

August 12, 2010   ·   Akash A   ·   Jump to comments

Before the draft, the tight end position looked to be a weak point in an otherwise potent offense. Alge Crumpler is a good blocker and receiver. However, he is old and well out of his prime.
After the draft, New England’s tight end core looks intensely dangerous. Aaron Hernandez is a big play threat with speed and a quickness that is rare in tight ends. He ran a 4.58 second 40-yard dash and clocked an impressive 6.83 second 3-cone drill.
For your reference, Demaryius Thomas, a highly ranked wide receiver drafted in the first round, had a 3-cone drill time measured at 7.11 seconds.
Rob Gronkowski, the other tight end the Patriots drafted, is coming off back surgery. He will be a great change of pace paired with Hernandez. Gronkowski is not lacking in the speed department, nor is he flat-footed, but he is not as fast as Hernandez (4.65 40-yard dash) or as quick (7.18 3-cone).
However, he weighs about 20 more pounds than Aaron and his quick burst off the line of ...

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