Buffalo Bills: Have Glenn Gronkowski’s Roster Chances Improved?
By Paul Taylor
Is it possible more key injuries have opened up the opportunity for Glenn Gronkowski to make the Buffalo Bills opening-day 53-man roster?
Despite not being selected in this year’s draft, Glenn Gronkowski arguably still got some satisfaction, after being signed as a free agent by the Buffalo Bills. After all, he grew up in the Western New York area, with dreams of one day wearing a Bills jersey.
However, once you get past this fairy tale-type scenario, his prospects of success in the NFL are not favorable. Certainly, his lead blocking and receiving skills out of the backfield don’t inspire much confidence.
In addition, there’s the (not so) small matter of Jerome Felton, who the Bills signed to the second-highest contract for a fullback during the offseason. Overall, it’s fair to say Gronkowski entered training camp with the odds stacked against him.
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Interestingly though, the 23-year old may still have a chance of making the 53-man roster, thanks to Chris Gragg‘s season-ending injury. As well as playing fullback, Gronkowski also saw time as a tight end in college.
Gronkowski spoke to The Buffalo News and the rest of the media about how his versatility could help him in the final preseason game, against the Detroit Lions: “Yeah definitely that is what you need to do in the NFL.
“You need to show you can do more than just one thing, that you can play special teams, full back, go out there catch balls. Do whatever they tell you to do – the more you can do the better.”
Despite not being viewed by pro scouts as a particularly dangerous receiver, the Buffalo native has confidence in his pass-catching skills: “(I’m) definitely thinking that is something I can help the team out on.
“Something I think I can do really well. Something I look forward too.”
Bills head coach discussed his plans for Gronkowski, when the team faces the Lions on Thursday: “Primarily his focus will be at fullback, but we have used him some as a tight end as well.
“And then, you know, see what he can do on special teams. But he’s a guy that I’ll be excited to watch against Detroit.”
In many ways, the 2014 NCAA Division I first team selection has already exceeded expectations. For one thing, as per Ryan’s comments, we know he is going to survive Tuesday’s roster cuts to a 75-man limit.
Now though, it’s up to Gronkowski to take advantage of the opportunity he has, while ignoring all the naysayers around him: “If you are thinking about it, that puts a little too much pressure on you.
“At this point, it has gotten you this far what you have been doing. So just keep doing what you are doing and try to get better.”
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Taking everything into account, what’s your prediction for Gronkowski? Do you expect him to make the opening day roster or miss out, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.