Rob Gronkowski Weighs In On Josh McDaniels A.J. Brown Comparision

Rob Gronkowski Weighs In On Josh McDaniels A.J. Brown Comparision originally appeared on NESN.
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The New England Patriots traded for A.J. Brown, and Josh McDaniels compared him to Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski.

“I’ve been fortunate to be around some really good ones. I’m not sure if I’ve been around one that looks just like (Brown). Maybe the closest thing I’ve seen is Gronk,” McDaniels said before the Patriots’ June 2  practice. “This is a big guy. He does a lot of things well. I’m looking forward to seeing how we can fit him and acclimate him into our system.”

Gronkowski was a tight end, and Brown was a receiver, so the comparison seems wild. However, Gronkowski did not mind the comparison. During an appearance on “Up & Adams,” he noted that he loved it.

“I love that comparison,” Gronkowski said on Monday, “That was really cool to see him say that.”

“Josh McDaniels knows what he’s talking about, and I understand what he’s saying,” Gronkowski added. “A.J. Brown is a big body out there. He’s a force to be reckoned with. He’s a guy that takes attention from the defense even when the ball’s not going to him. Even with a run play, you’re still going to have attention.”

Brown will open up new opportunities for the Patriots’ offense as well. Gronkowski compared the attention Brown will receive to the attention he received while he was playing. He also noted that Brown’s size will play a huge factor in his ability to get open.

“A.J. Brown uses his body to get open. That’s how I got open a lot,” Gronkowski said. “I was never really running by guys. I used my body, blocked out guys, and Tom (Brady) would put the ball where I could only go up (and get it). That’s the same with A.J. Brown. That’s probably what Josh McDaniels sees in him. A.J. Brown is always open because he’s such a big-bodied guy with great hands.”

More NFL: Patriots Declined Multiple A.J. Brown Trade Packages, Months Of Negotiations