Breaking Down TE Austin Hooper and FB/TE Glen Gronkowski

Austin Hooper – TE – Stanford Size – 6040 – 250 – 4.68 (All Estimates) Strong Points – Very athletic, smooth, easy change of direction, very good hands and ability to adjust to the ball. Good route runner, can uncover versus both man and zone. Can be productive both short and deep. Good runner after the catch. Willing blocker. Has growth potential to 255-260. Weak Points – Seldom plays in-line as a Y. Lacks strength and power to be effective as a blocker. Needs to get bigger and stronger. Not play in short yardage situations. Does not have a lot of playing experience. Summation – Underclassman who is entering the Draft. Listed as a junior but still had two years of eligibility left. Did not play as a true freshman in 2013. Seldom lines up in-tight as a Y, usually flexed out as a slot, wing or wide. Very good athlete who has very good body control and speed. Good route runner who can uncover versus zone or man. Has excellent hands and can make the difficult catch. Strong runner after the catch. Effective short and deep. Needs to get stronger and improve blocking skills. Has to be used as a move tight end until he gets bigger and stronger. With his athleticism he has upside.     Glenn Gronkowski – FB/TE – Kansas State Size – 6026 – 235 – 4.69 (All Estimates) Strong Points – Good athlete, strong blocker (run and Pass) Good short route runner, hands and run after catch ability. Inside run, can get tough yards and will get yards after contact. Tough and competitive. Weak Points – Role player in the Kansas State offense, doesn’t get to carry the ball that often. Summation – Younger brother of the Patriots Rob Gronkowski.  A fourth year junior who has graduated and will enter the Draft. Is a role player for Kansas State and is used mainly as a blocker. He is a strong lead blocker who is good at finding his block and adjusting on the move. Good inside runner who can get tough yards. Good receiver who runs good routes and had good hands. Can be a combo fullback/move tight end at the next level. Should also be a productive special teams player.  Follow Greg on Twitter @greggabe

Upcoming Games