Top 100 NFL players entering the 2020 season: No. 100-91
By Samuel Teets
100. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Easily the most controversial inclusion in the top 100, Gronkowski retired following the 2018 season. In his final game with the New England Patriots, Gronkowski made a clutch catch down the stretch that set New England up for a score in Super Bowl LIII. He finished the game with six receptions for 87 yards.
In his nine seasons with the Patriots, Gronkowski molded himself into arguably the most dominant tight end in NFL history. He became a red zone nightmare for defenses, blocked with the power of an offensive lineman, and featured a fullback’s strength with the ball in his hands. The 6-6, 268-pound behemoth made five Pro Bowls and earned four First-Team All-Pro selections.
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However, Gronkowski took his game to another level in the playoffs. The 31-year-old has more postseason touchdowns (12) than Antonio Gates (two), Tony Gonzalez (four), Greg Olsen (three), and Jason Witten (one) combined. Gronkowski appeared in 16 games with the Patriots, averaging 5.1 receptions and 72.7 receiving yards per contest.
Tom Brady lured his former teammate out of retirement this offseason. New England sent Gronkowski and a seven-round pick to Tampa Bay in a deal that reunited Gronk with his long-time quarterback.
It’s unknown how many snaps Gronkowski will see as a feature tight end or if he’ll primarily work into a rotation also featuring Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard. We have no idea what to expect from Gronkowski this season, so I cautiously give him the final spot on the top 100.
99. Trent Williams, LT, San Francisco 49ers
Williams is another controversial inclusion in the top 100. Between 2012 and 2018, Williams made seven consecutive Pro Bowls with Washington. However, the left tackle broke with the team last year, refusing to play for the organization. While most players hold out for larger contracts, Williams had a more personal issue.
Washington poorly mishandled a medical situation which severely frightened the left tackle and his family. Williams had a growth or tumor that he eventually got removed. However, Williams felt that Washington did not correctly handle the issue and potentially put him in unnecessary danger. CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora later described Williams’ relationship with Washington as “totally fractured.”
This offseason, the 49ers acquired Williams from Washington in exchange for a 2020 fifth-round pick and a 2021 third-round selection. Williams replaced Joe Staley. At 32 years old, the former Oklahoma Sooner should play at a Pro Bowl level for several more seasons.