January 14, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) warms up on the field before the 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-US PRESSWIRE

We all knew it already, but the New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski has made his mark on the rest of the NFL. In a piece on NFL.com, Daniel Jeremiah places Gronk as one of the Top 10 young players in the game today. Others include the likes of Cam Newton, Von Miller and Matt Stafford.

During a year when most young players tend to falter, Gronkowski took his sophomore season to epic new heights. As one of Tom Brady‘s favorite red zone targets, Gronk set NFL records for touchdowns, touchdown receptions and receiving yards by a Tight End.

Daniel Jeremiah had this to say:

The word “Beast” is grossly overused in today’s sports vernacular. However, in Gronk’s case, there is no better term to describe him. In just his second season, he established himself as the best tight end in the NFL. He hauled in 90 balls for 1,327 yards and 17 TDs (a record for tight ends). He had multiple TDs in seven different regular season games. He has ideal size, speed and hands. His ability to use his frame to wall-off defenders on third down is a huge luxury for Tom Brady. I’d also rank him as the second best red-zone target in the NFL behind only Detroit’s Calvin Johnson.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, the GRONKSPIKE!

Gronk Listed in “Top Ten” NFL Players Under 25 - Musket Fire - Musket Fire - A New England Patriots Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Stew Milne-US PRESSWIRE

With the Patriots mini-camp underway, preliminary jersey numbers have been assigned. I have listed them below and highlighted some of the potential starters. Lets hope Chandler Jones wearing number 95 can exorcise some Adalius Thomas demons.

2 — K Chris Koepplin (1st year)
5 — QB Mike Hartline (1st year)
13 — WR Matt Roark
27 — DB Tavon Wilson
36 — RB Eric Kettani (1st year)
37 — CB Alfonzo Dennard
38 — RB Brandon Bolden
43 — DB Nate Ebner
45 — LB Dont’a Hightower
49 — DE Markell Carter (1st year)
60 — LBAaron Lavarias (1st year)
60 — OL Jeremiah Warre
65 — DL Marcus Forston
66 — DE Jake Bequette
66 — OL Markus Zusevics
68 — DE Justin Francis
69 — DE Alex Silvestro(1st year)
80 — WR Jeremy Ebert
82 — TE Brad Herman
95 — DE Chandler Jones

New England Patriots Rookie Numbers Assigned - Musket Fire - Musket Fire - A New England Patriots Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Stew Milne-US PRESSWIRE

Here’s a breakdown of the released rankings.

NFL.com…

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It was another stellar draft for the Pats, and they still haven’t stopped acquiring receivers.

NFL Mocks…

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Finished third in the league in offense, 31st in defense. I loved their draft. DE Chandler Jones and MLB Dont’a Hightower upgrade their toughness and pass-rush, and remember the name of 3rd-round DE Jake Bequette. He’s Patrick Kearney 2.0.

ESPN.com…

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The Patriots drafted defense in the first six rounds. Smart move.

CBS Sports…

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Improving the defense and the speed outside in the passing game makes them an improved team. That’s scary for the rest of the AFC East.

New England Patriots Rank Second in NFL Power Rankings - Musket Fire - Musket Fire - A New England Patriots Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.