hmm.. I think their even. Each player does something better than the other.
As always Graham is measured at 6 ft 6”, 260 lbs , he's really 6 ft 7” , and 265 lbs. He has been measured each year as 6ft 7” and 265 lbs by the saints medical staff, also the miami Heat, but even listed as 6ft 6” on the saints site. Im sure they are happy to continue the deception of his actual size. But Nola always reports this correctly.
New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham continues to get better and better - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
At 6 feet 7 inches and 265 pounds, Graham has a rare combination of size and athleticism that has made him into a new breed of weapon for the new pass-happy league.
Graham has Height, speed, arm length, and over Gronk, and I dont believe Gronk would beat Grahams 38.5 vertical jump, or cone drill scores. Im positive Graham cant bench press more than Gronk either, and he has larger hands.
Graham
Jimmy Graham 2010 NFL Combine Results - ESPN
Gronk
Rob Gronkowski 2010 NFL Combine Results - ESPN
When I look at Graham he never seems that big. He seems proportionate to his height. Its deceptive until he walks past a linemen, then I think, damn he's huge,lol. Gronk on the other hand looks thick, built like a brick house. Ive always thought Gronk had a thicker skeleton structure than Graham does. Maybe that weighs down his speed marks. Not that a 10th of a second means much. I don't know. Gronk has more power in the upper body and legs than Graham does. Thats one difference I see from just physical traits of the 2 TE’s.
On the field, I think it has to be remembered, Gronk has a superior QB, and Graham being a basket ball player is used to crazy, leaping, passes in game. Years of passing the ball can build up muscle memory. I still think either has a long way to proving they are even close to Gates.
I think Graham is a better pass catcher
2011 New Orleans Saints Yeabook: Jimmy Graham - YouTube
and Gronk is a better runner after the catch.
Rob Gronkowski Highlights 2011-2012 - YouTube
.. but you decide.
Blocking: Not sure where anyone is getting the idea Graham is a bad blocker
Blocking
Deep Pass
Drop Rate
Slot Performance
Yards Per Route
The stats are interesting
To me Graham is a better pass catcher, more of a huge WR with LB weight, and WR speed. Some of the one handed , and crazy catches he makes makes Brees look good on stats. Not as good as Colston, but he would make 2nd WR in our line up if he tried out. Graham has speed but not the running power of Gronk, and has no moves after the catch.
Gronk is a better runner after after the catch, because the guy is just tough, and cant be tackled by 1 guy. Hes like a 6ft 6”, 265 lbs power back that can catch. IT would be interesting to see if Gronk could power run the ball from the back field at the GL. I think he could. Graham could never do that. I do not think Gronk could make some of the catches Graham does either.
Gronk is a superior than traditional complete TE, and Graham is some warped WR/TE hybrid, like Gates, only bigger, and blocks better. Hern might be closer to Grahams catching ability. Graham might even be more a Hern/Gronk hybrid. Not sure. Hard to pin him down.
Both guys dominate on the field. Not sure who I would pick if they were both free agents. Depends on the offense your running I guess.