CheeseMonkeys

I know there is a thread on TE's but seriously, who is going to have the bigger impact this season? Gronkowski was picked up in the early 2nd and Hernandez in the 4th, yet I am hearing a lot more good things about Hernandez than Gronk. If Hernandez is "the next Dallas Clark", then Gronk may have to be "The next Jason Whitten" if he's going to have a bigger impact than Hernadez.

Gronk will be a better blocker and red zone threat but Hernandez has also proven to be a threat in the red zone and should be the better receiver. If they both pan out then we may have one of the best TE corps in the NFL. What are your thoughts?

I would also like to note that Hernandez had 30 reps of 225 lbs during the combine. That shows that he is a strong guy.

Fencer

They have similar upside -- Hernandez fell further because of perceived character risk. Hernandez has to master more of a route-running playbook than Gronk. Gronk has to master more of a blocking playbook than Hernandez. (If Hernandez doesn't do anything more sophisticated than "Find a guy and hit him", he'll still get by.)

I'd say Hernandez has the shorter path to impact.

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KontradictioN

It depends on the area where you're looking at the impact. Gronk will have a greater immediate impact on the offensive line with his blocking and can still catch passes. Between the two, I expect Hernandez to have a greater immediate impact in the passing game.

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eagle eye

Well Hernandez looks to me like his going to be a H-back and wideout and never near the line blocking or very rarely anyways. I think they will both get lots of time.

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SEA_Pat

He'd be the first "Jason Whitten" if that were the case...

I think Hernandez has the bigger impact initially since his role will likely be to go out into coverage more often than not. Gronk probably has a lot more to pick up since he'll be used more in the running game as well as the passing game, so his learning curve will be steeper. I'd be surprised to see Hernandez taking much of a role blocking on the line. He will present a lot of matchup problems as a receiver, too quick for linebackers, too big for safeties and nickle backs.

RhodyPatriot

Sounds like an idea situation....having 2 big strong young TE's whose strengths are in different areas. If all Gronk does is stay in and block at the line and become a redzone nightmare for defenses with his size/hands then he'll be huge in this offense. Aaron will be the TE stud in the passing game but Gronk will be just as valuable with his meat and potatoes game. A terrific young combo to have.

eagle eye

Lets not forget Crumpler in all of this, he has come in and got praised by BB for his work ethic and everything he is doing. He looks good too and you couldn't have a guy like that at a better time with two rookie TEs in the mix.

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zoostation

yes! If you like smash-mouth football (and I do!) than watch the way crumpler knocks linemen right out of their cleats! he has also been a great mentor to the rooks. So do not under estimate Crumplers value this season!

pdangle

Regarding Hernandez (and similar type players), this is where I get confused. If a tight end CANNOT block d-lineman, or 3-4 outside linebackers, how the hell can you call him a tight end?!? That's part of the job description and defines the position, does it not? Otherwise isn't he just a large slot receiver, small fullback, or the something else?

So I guess by deductive reasoning, and to answer myself and some of his criticis, he MUST be able to block these players SOMEWHAT adequately (the 30 reps of 225lb is telling) or we have to start saying he really plays some other position.

CheeseMonkeys

Huh...?.........

LOL. Wow, I forgot that I had to spell people's names perfectly.