NFL's top 100 players... according to CBS Sports...

The point is that he's not just any tight end. He obliterated what was the greatest season ever at the position. Based on that, he deserves to be in the top 10 right now.

Devil: That's just stupid. Hernandez is talented, but he's not a game-changer like Gronkowski.

 

I understand what you're saying, but every couple years a TE has some huge season where they're have double-digit touchdowns, not 17, but... Antonio Gates, Vernon Davis, Dallas Clark have all had huge years. If he was coming off back-to-back seasons with more than 12 or so touchdowns, I'd be inclined to agree.

Don't get me wrong, the guy was a beast last year. I just think he's better suited in the second 10 than the first 10.

 

Of all the things you've ever been wrong about, this ranks pretty high. Impressive.

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4722379/five-pats-crack-cbs-top-100-list


I give more value to a player that could play running back and TE than many of you, I guess.

CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco presents his "top 100" players in the NFL column today, and there are five Patriots who make the cut.

2. QB Tom Brady
10. TE Rob Gronkowski
30. DT Vince Wilfork
42. WR Wes Welker
87. G Logan Mankins

Tight end Aaron Hernandez lands in the "just missed the cut" category.

This is a massive undertaking by Prisco and the list is sure to invite some debate. I thought it was well done from a Patriots perspective. To have five of the top 100 players in the league reflects well on the team's personnel evaluations.

 

From ESPN's Scouts.com prior to the 2011 season.

Gronk is probably at the top of the 2012 list, but don't be suprised if Hernandez is not right behind him.

Tight Ends
RK PLAYER POS TEAM GRADE COMMENT
1 Antonio Gates TE SD 89 Gates came into the league with... More
Jason Witten TE DAL 89 Witten had arguably his best season... More
3 Jermichael Finley TE GB 85 Finley is a tall, lean player with... More
4 Dallas Clark TE IND 84 Clark is definitely more of a receiving... More
5 Tony Gonzalez TE ATL 83 Gonzalez has lost a step over the... More
6 Chris Cooley TE WSH 82 Cooley is an undersized tight end... More
Owen Daniels TE HOU 82 Daniels is an athletic tight end... More
Vernon Davis TE SF 82 Davis has made monumental strides... More
9 Brandon Pettigrew TE DET 80 Pettigrew has excellent size, strength... More
Kellen Winslow TE TB 80 Winslow has the size and speed... More
RK PLAYER POS TEAM GRADE COMMENT
Marcedes Lewis TE JAC 80 Lewis reached new levels in his... More
Zach Miller TE SEA 80 Miller has led his team in receptions... More
13 Aaron Hernandez TE NE 79 Hernandez is more of an H back... More
Heath Miller TE PIT 79 Miller is a good technique blocker... More
Rob Gronkowski TE NE 79 Gronkowski has deceptive athleticism... More
16 Dustin Keller TE NYJ 78 Keller is a undersized, athletic... More
17 Brent Celek TE PHI 77 Celek has been a consistent, durable... More
18 John Carlson TE MIN 76 Carlson lacks the speed to challenge... More
19 Benjamin Watson TE CLE 75 Watson has average size and strength... More
Jimmy Graham TE NO 75 Graham is a good-sized tight end... More

 

You think Aaron Hernandez is the second best TE in the league? You're high...

 

Gronk will be No. 1, Hernandez will be in the bottom half of the top 10.

 

The endlessly changing/rapidly evolving tight end is an NFL constant. From John Mackey to Rob Gronkowski, almost every star at the position has been the subject of this sentence:

"__________ will redefine the game."

A few even have.

 

It is entirely possible that Hernandez will have a statistically superior year to Gronk in 2012. Probably won't, but he could. Gronkowski figures to get extra attention this year. Brady would rather throw to an open schlub than a covered Hall of Famer and Hernandez is no schlub.

 

Versatility is nice, but if you think Hernandez belongs ahead of Gronkowski, you are grossly overestimating its importance.

 

Marino doesn't even get a mention on top 10 QBs list?

 

Your avatar has a good point. The world really does have a grudge against Cutler. Don't know how anybody could watch howwell he's played the last couple seasons behind that incredibly crappy Bears offensive line, and the stark difference between how that team performs when he is and is not playing, and conclude he's not in the Top 100. Does anybody really think Tony Romo is a better QB?