The New England Patriots announced they http://www.officialpanthersstore.com/shop-by-players-rakim-cox-jers... have signed fullback Glenn Gronkowski—the brother of tight end Rob Gronkowski—to their practice squad Saturday.
ESPN.com's Field Yates initially reported the news.
The former Kansas State Wildcats star signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in April. Although he initially made the 53-man roster, the Bills cut him after just one game.
While Gronkowski didn't pile up http://www.officialpatriotsonline.com/shop-by-players-james-develin... impressive stats (51 rushing yards, 369 receiving yards, five receiving touchdowns) during his time at Kansas State, he still has plenty to offer from a tactical perspective.
"He has such a high upside," KSU co-offensive coordinator Dana Dimel told Bleacher Report's Dan Pompei. "I think there's a really good niche for him in the NFL because of his versatility as an H-back, blocking fullback and offset tight end. He can be used kind of like how New England used Scott Chandler to Ronnie Stanley Jersey complement Rob, or how they used Aaron Hernandez."
With that said, the younger Gronkowski's not an overwhelming athletic presence like his 27-year-old brother.
At February's NFL Scouting Combine, the 23-year-old ran a 4.71-second 40-yard dash and put up 17 reps on the bench press. He also notched a 33-inch vertical jump and completed the three-cone drill in 7.10 seconds.
The good news for the younger Gronk is that he won't be under pressure to produce right away. Signed to the team's practice squad, he should have ample time to learn the Patriots' scheme and develop his versatile skill set as Corey Peters Youth Jersey he seeks to one day carve out a spot on the active roster.