There’s good news for the New England Patriots: Rob Gronkowski was the highest graded tight end in the AFC East during the 2018 season.
There’s bad news for the Patriots: Gronk was nearly edged out by New York Jets tight end Chris Herndon, who put together a breakout season with 39 receptions for 502 yards and four touchdowns.
Gronkowski, who is considering retirement, put together once of his least productive seasons, with 47 receptions for 682 yards and three touchdowns. He remains one of the best tight ends in the NFL, but it’s far more difficult to make the argument that he’s the best at his position. He remains a stout run blocker, as he displayed throughout the Patriots’ playoff run to a win in Super Bowl LIII. His route-running and pass-catching, however, seemed to regress due to a pair of injuries (back, Achilles) in 2018. And there’s some question as to whether the tight end’s physical decline is irreversible.
That’s what makes statistics like the one above alarming. Gronk may be the best tight end in the AFC East — that’s worth celebrating. And yet, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll be able to hold onto that title if he decides to play another season.
