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8 players who will help Jimmy Garoppolo the most

By Connor Fulton

Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) warms up before the start of the game against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) warms up before the start of the game against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rob Gronkowski Patriots
Aug 11, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during pregame warmups prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Rob Gronkowski

Of course, Gronk will be a huge help to Garoppolo. While White will catch passes out of the backfield and Edelman will occupy the underneath and middle routes, Gronk will work to get open on seams and deeper routes, as well as the red zone. As long as Gronk stays healthy, Garoppolo will have the best overall football player in the world at his disposal, and that will go a long way toward him leading the Patriots to a winning record through the first four games.

Gronk suffered pectoral injury this offseason

Just like Edelman, Gronk can be a benefit even when he’s not catching the ball. Especially in the red zone, enough attention will be directed to Gronk so that Martellus Bennett will find himself available for jump balls and quick slants. A.J. Derby will also factor into Garoppolo’s reads near the end zone, as well. Both Derby and Bennett match Gronk’s 6-foot-6 height, so really, Garoppolo has an embarrassment of riches to choose from at the tight end position.

Next: 1. Nate Solder

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