Glenn Gronkowski, FB, Kansas State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Ross Woomer
Glenn Gronkowski has a last name all too familiar in the world of football. He was born into a football family where three of his four older brothers played in the NFL.
Because he was a fullback in college, Gronkowski didn’t receive the touches he would have if he were a running back. He rushed the ball only 16 times throughout three seasons, for a total of 51 yards and one touchdown.
However, Gronkowski did put up career-high receiving numbers as a freshman, where he caught five receptions for 194 yards and three touchdowns. His receiving stats fell off the following two seasons as he caught for only 99 and 76 yards.
The youngest Gronkowski brother played in all games from his sophomore year until the conclusion of his senior year at Kansas State. He started in all games as a senior, twenty total at KSU.
Measurables
Height: 6′ 3″
Weight: 234 lbs
Strengths
Gronkowski is from a football family with a rich history in the league. He’s versatile, flexed out and played from the slot. He stays with blocks until the play is dead. He is a force to reckon with when used as a lead blocker.
He opens holes as a blocker and finds holes as a runner. Reads and picks up blitz’s well. A sneaky pass threat option. Looks to be focused and zoned in while playing. Intelligent off-the-field, as he’s a three time First Team Academic All-Big 12.
Weaknesses
Gronkowski is hesitant with blocks and sometimes needs to approach defenders with more confidence. The fullback position is a dying breed in the NFL so a positional change may be in his future. He has pressure to live up to the expectations his brother, Rob, gave to the Gronkowski name.
Potential Fits
Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles
Final Thoughts
When not lined up in the backfield, look for Gronkowski to be used as a situational receiver, who may transition into a starting receiver or even tight end. He plays with physicality and has size to compete.
Scouts will be looking at his on-field performance while fans will be drawn toward another “Gronk” entering the league.