Wilson: Rob Gronkowski to work out in March

INDIANAPOLIS -- University of Arizona tight end Rob Gronkowski doesn't lack for confidence, proudly proclaiming himself as the top tight end prospect in the NFL draft.

"I would say I'm the top tight end because I bring the whole package," Gronwkoski said today at the NFL scouting combine. "I'm ready to take on the big defensive ends. I'm ready to go out there and catch some passes. They are going to get a tough, physical player who likes to do the dirty work and likes to make big plays down the field.

"There are some great receiving tight ends out there and there are some great blocking tight ends, but the greatest ever can usually do both. Being a true tight end, being able to block, being able to go out for passes, being able to catch the ball."

Projected as a potential late first-round draft pick, Gronkowski has some major medical questions to answer to cement that status.

He missed the entire season last year due to a back injury that required surgery.

Gronkowski had a microdissectomy on his back where the doctor shaved down a protruding disc from the spinal cord.

Doctors repaired his L2 and L3, the lumbar spine in the lower back.

“My back is holding up great," he said. "It’s 100 percent now. No pain. I’ve never felt this great in a while. I’m ready to go with my back. My back is 100 percent.

"It’s a real minimal invasive surgery, it’s a real easy process, but it takes about three to five months recovery rate. It’s been more than five months, but I’m ready to go.”

Gronkowski has faced heavy scrutiny from NFL teams and medical officials.

"I’m definitely facing some but handling it well," he said. "I’m going to be 100 percent because I’ve been cleared by many doctors. There really are no issues about my back any more.”

Gronkowski won't be working out at the combine other than the bench press.

The 6-foot-6, 264-pounder said that he's 100 percent healthy, but won't work for NFL teams until March 26.

Gronkowski said he has only been running for the past few weeks and is working on improving his conditioning.

He's targeting a 4.6 time in the 40-yard dash.

Gronkowski said that he has met with the St. Louis Rams, Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals.

He said the Rams informed him that they plan to draft a tight end at some point this year.

The Rams hold the 33rd overall pick of the second round.

The Bengals draft 21st overall and the Ravens have the 25th overall pick of the first round.

Gronkowski acknowledged that he needs to upgrade his blocking skills.

“A lot of teams say my blocking’s good and a lot of teams say my blocking needs improving," Gronkowski said. "I believe I had some great games blocking, I also believe I had some alright games blocking. I definitely need work in that area.”

With the Wildcats, Gronkowski occasionally played wide receiver in the slot. He said he was used with his hand in the dirt at the line of scrimmage roughly half the time.

Asked what his best attribute is, Gronkowski replied: "My hands. I believe I have great hands. I’ll catch anything in my path."

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