New England Patriots: Tight Ends at a Glance

As New England's preseason ended Thursday night at the New Meadowlands Stadium, there have been many high spots and low spots on this team. One high spot is the Patriots' tight ends.

During the offseason, New England completely cleared house at the tight end position and totally revamped the position.

New England brought in a bona-fide veteran in Alge Crumpler while bringing in talented youth with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. 

In recent years, New England has not had a "feared" player at this position, but now they might.

The tight end position potentially could be a strong point on this team.  

Alge Crumpler

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 19: Tight end Alge Crumpler #82 of the New England Patriots celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on August 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Patriots beat the Fa

The Patriots brought in Alge Crumpler on March 24 with expectations that he'd be a leader and a quality blocker. Crumpler is best known for Michael Vick's favorite target in Atlanta from 2003-'06.

Crumpler has had some good showings this preseason with two catches while racking up 46 yards. 

You'll see Crumpler in tight formations as a blocker, but don't be surprised to see him catching the ball on play-actions. 

Aaron Hernandez

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 19: Tight end Aaron Hernandez #85 of the New England Patriots jogs off of the field during halftime during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on August 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrill

Aaron Hernandez is my favorite tight end of the bunch.

He is a rookie out of Florida and was one of quarterback Tim Tebow's favorite recievers. 

Hernandez is an interesting specimen. Hernandez is 6'2" and is listed as a tight end, while he warms-up as a wide receiver. 

When you watch pre-game warm-ups, you'll see two Patriots' receivers making flashy, one-handed catches and that's Randy Moss and yours' truely, Hernandez. 

Hernandez' most impressive game was against the Atlanta Falcons where he caught four passes for 46 yards and one score. 

In my opinion, Hernandez has a huge potiential to be a real special player. To me, he is a mix of Dallas Clark and Wes Welker. Hernandez is faster than any line-backer, but stronger and bigger than any corner-back; he's virtually un-coverable. 

Watch out for Hernandez lining up in the slot opposite of Wes Welker. 

Rob Gronkowski

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FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 26: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots makes a touchdown catch as Kevin Payne #30 of the St. Louis Rams defends on August 26, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Rams defeated the Patriots 36-35. (Pho

There is one word that describes the rookie out of Arizona and thats beast.

Rob Gronkowski is the ideal tight. He is listed at 6'6" and is very quick and finesse on his feet. 

Gronkowski has had the better preseason out of the bunch. He has caught three touchdowns and it appears he has developed a good relationship with Patriots' quaterback Tom Brady.

His most memorable play was against the St. Louis Rams where he caught the ball at around the seven yard line and dragged line backer James Laurinaitis into the end-zone. 

The way Gronkowski throws his body into the opposing line backer to gain separation is remarkable. It almost looks like Shaquille O'Neal playing in the post.

Expect Gronkowski to become a valuable option from Brady in the red zone with his large frame.