Fansided

10 NFL players who would dominate in any era

By Russell S. Baxter

Pro Football Hall of Fame and Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) breaking tackles in the Bears 45-10 victory over the Washington Redskins on 9/29/1985 at Soldier Field in Chicago Illinois. (Photo by James V. Biever/Getty Images)
Pro Football Hall of Fame and Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) breaking tackles in the Bears 45-10 victory over the Washington Redskins on 9/29/1985 at Soldier Field in Chicago Illinois. (Photo by James V. Biever/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots runs the ball against Samson Ebukam #50 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots runs the ball against Samson Ebukam #50 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. TE Rob Gronkowski

Think of a cross between Mark Bavaro and Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow. That’s what you get in the physical specimen known as Rob Gronkowski. A second-round draft choice by the New England Patriots in 2010 from the University of Arizona would fit in well decades earlier with the likes of Mike Ditka and John Mackey, both enshrined in Canton.

“Gronk” spent nine seasons in Foxborough and the numbers are simply amazing. In 115 regular-season contests, there were 521 receptions, good for an impressive 7,861 yards (15.1 yards per catch) and 79 TD grabs. His postseason resumes was pretty impressive as well, with 81 catches for 1,163 yards and a dozen scores.

Of course, there was no football for the determined pro in 2019 as injuries took their toll over the years. But with veteran quarterback Tom Brady leaving Foxborough for Tampa Bay, Gronkowski suddenly had a change a heart, the Patriots (who still owned his right) dealt him to the Buccaneers (via Nick Shook of NFL.com) and now it will be interesting if reuniting feels so good.

Make no mistake. Gronkowski is a sure-handed pass-catcher, an impressive blocked and a player capable of taking over a game in many facets. There’s not a lot of players at his position you can say that about and he and Brady should make things interesting for the Bucs this season.

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