The NFL is about to inherit another Gronkowski brother. Could the Ravens add their first?
Kansas State fullback Glenn Gronkowski was a popular figure at the Senior Bowl last week and there's a good chance he will be drafted in April as a projected fourth- or fifth-round pick.
He would join Patriots four-time Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski in the NFL, and become the fourth Gronkowski brother to play professional football. Older siblings Chris and Dan both enjoyed multiple years in the league, and four brothers would match an NFL record.
The youngest Gronk told media that he met with several NFL teams while in Mobile, Ala., including Rob's Patriots and one of their biggest rivals, the Ravens.
Glenn said it would be a "dream come true" to play with his older brother in New England, but he also wouldn't mind playing against Rob if he were drafted by Baltimore.
"Wherever I go, I would be happy to be there," Glenn said. "Wouldn't mind it. Obviously, we were always going against each other growing up. So it wouldn't be anything different."
The older Gronkowski brothers have already gone head-to-head at the NFL level, so the family is accustomed to the competition.
But the chances of General Manager Ozzie Newsome drafting the youngest Gronkowski seem slim because he already has a player like him on the roster.
"I've actually been compared to the guy they have there, Kyle [Juszczyk]," Gronkowski said. "I really don't know much about him. I haven't watched a lot of Ravens games, but I definitely need to check him out on film and see what he's like."
That wouldn't be a bad idea.
In an NFL era where the traditional bulldozing fullback is becoming a dying breed, Gronkowski sees himself taking on a Juszczyk-like role.
At the Senior Bowl, Gronkowski played out of multiple positions, including fullback, H-back, slot receiver, tight end and on special teams. He's training to become a versatile Swiss Army Knife that can be used as a weapon all over the field.
Juszczyk has played in 48 games since being drafted by the Ravens in 2012 and his role has steadily increased, especially on offense. He has always been a staple on special teams, but last season with Offensive Coordinator Marc Trestman calling the shots, Juszczyk enjoyed the most production of his career with 41 receptions for 321 yards and four touchdowns.
His catches and receiving yards both ranked No. 1 among fullbacks across the league.
"[I can play] everything," Gronkowski said. "I think how [Senior Bowl coaches] have me playing out here, I think that's exactly what I can do at the next level. Just being everywhere, playing wherever I possibly can."
As he transitions into a larger receiving role, Gronkowski was asked whether he leans on his older brother and Super Bowl champion for advice.
"Not really, actually," Gronkowski said. "He had a really busy week [preparing for the AFC championship]. I just got invited last week. I didn't really want to bother him during that playoff game. Obviously he was upset after the game.
"But just being around [my brothers] growing up, just watching all the hard work they put in, all the dedication, having all the discipline, doing everything right, never being in trouble. That's what you have to do to have success."
