Dynasty Database: Rob Gronkowski

To get you prepared for the 2011 season each week we'll be profiling a player who we think will be a great value come draft time, especially if you are in a dynasty/keeper league. Enjoy!

When the Patriots drafted two tight ends in the 2010 NFL Draft the fantasy world didn't know what to do. Do the Patriots use their tight end enough? Would Gronkowski or Hernandez emerge as the team's starting tight end? With these questions fantasy owners stayed away and used the "watch and see" approach.

They underestimated the power of The Gronk.

Former Florida Gator Aaron Hernandez had a solid rookie year but it was the Arizona alum who stepped up as fantasy threat down the stretch. Some durability concerns caused his draft stock to drop but it was immediately apparent that Gronkowski was NFL ready from Day 1. Moss was Tom Brady's favorite redzone target before being traded to the Vikings in October but Gronk stepped up when needed, totaling 7 of his 10 touchdowns in the 2nd half of the season. Brady loves throwing to the tight end in the red zone so we can only expect this to increase, especially with a full year to plan their offense without a stud receiver like Randy Moss around.

Still, Aaron Hernandez remains and is also a reliable target for Brady. However, Hernandez isn't as well rounded a player as Gronkowski. Gronk's blocking skills and size make him much more useful. Think of it like a running back by commitee with Gronkowski getting around 70% of the snaps. In an offense like New England's I'll take that. Especially if I decide to wait on tight end and focus on loading up on backs and receivers.

Gronk. World. Order.

Fearless Prediction: 75 catches 900 yards 12 touchdowns