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Rob Gronkowski’s Retirement Could Pay Dividends For Trevon Wesco

Baylor v West Virginia Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Saturday evening, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announced via Instagram that he was retiring after 9 seasons of football.

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It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have meet, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been apart of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I have been giving and learning the great values of life that I can apply to mine. Thank you to all of Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support since I have been apart of this 1st class organization. Thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be. But now its time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, Pats Nation, and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for rest of my life. It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great established organization and able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success. To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be apart of. I will truly miss you guys. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a HUGE cheers to the uncertain of whats next.

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on

This could be very good news for former West Virginia Mountaineers tight end Trevon Wesco. Wesco has been noted as one of the 2019 NFL Draft’s fastest risers and the best blocking tight end in the class.

Trevon Wesco came to West Virginia via Lackawanna College, despite the fact he is a homegrown kid from Martinsburg. Wesco played at Lackawanna as a freshman before being injured as a sophomore. He played as a backup in 2016 and 2017 before earning his first career start this year in the season opener against Tennessee in the Belk College Kickoff. Wesco started all 12 games this season and in the back half of the season, Wesco came on strong catching at least 3 passes in 4 of the last 6 games and broke 49 yards receiving in 4 of the last 6 games.

With Wesco’s ability to move defenders in the run game and his improved catch ability that increased throughout the 2018, Wesco could just be the next great tight end in New England. Bill Belichik and the Patriots have long looked for players who have a unique ability and are smart. Wesco being one of the best blocking tight ends in the draft and having soft hands plus a willingness to play fullback, gives him versatility that is craved by the Patriots.