Super Bowl LII: Top five players who weren’t first-round NFL Draft picks

2. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

Drafted: Round 2, Pick 42
Position: Tight End
2017 Season Statistics: 14 games played, 69 receptions, 1,084 yards, 8 touchdowns
2017 Pro Football Focus Grade: 92.5 (No. 1 amongst tight ends)

When healthy, Rob Gronkowski ranks amongst the greatest tight ends in NFL history. He’s a matchup nightmare who’s too big for safeties, too fast for linebackers, and far too dominant for a cornerback to even try their hand.

A proven postseason performer who can legitimately dominate games with his mere presence on the field, Gronkowski is one of the best second-round draft picks in NFL history.

Despite missing two games, Gronkowski ranked No. 1 amongst tight ends in receptions and No. 2 at his position in receiving touchdowns in 2017. That’s become more of an expectation than an achievement, as Gronkowski is well on his way to the Hall of Fame.

He’s the ultimate mismatch in the passing game, and he also ranked as the No. 3 tight end in run blocking during the 2017 regular season.

Elite as a receiver and the same in run blocking, Gronkowski has become a truly unstoppable force. When Tom Brady needs to fit a throw into tight coverage, Gronk has the big and powerful hands to pull it down—and, for good measure, carry two defenders after the catch.

Gronkowski will be in the Hall of Fame when it’s all said and done. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, he’ll have a chance to dominate on the grandest stage.