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Graham Ranked Higher than Gronk, Rosenthal Pissed

By Dave Cariello
June 5, 2012; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) catches a pass during a minicamp session at the team's practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
June 5, 2012; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) catches a pass during a minicamp session at the team's practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

We don't know where our very own Jimmy Graham will land on the "Top 100: Players of 2012" list but we do know one thing: he will be ranked higher than Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who comes in at No. 21. And it's a fact that just doesn't sit well with fellow Tulane alum Gregg Rosenthal.

We'd argue that Gronkowski is one of the five best blocking tight ends in the league. He's a difference-maker in New England's running game, and that versatility makes the Patriots' offense impossible to defend. This isn't an attack on Graham. He deserves to be high as well, but he's a more one-dimensional player.

Obviously, I'm biased so I think everything is fine as it stands. But if I'm being a reasonable man, Rosenthal's got a point. Plus, Gronkowski has the better stat line. And the records. To be honest, I'm actually shocked myself that Gronk wasn't ranked higher than Graham.

As Gregg points out, though, this list was compiled by current players; they obviously think Graham is the best tight end in the game. Perhaps we shouldn't be so quick to discount them and their opinions.

Or maybe it was just an alphabetical thing.

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