Josh McDaniels’ Gronk comparison for A.J. Brown sets Patriots’ Super Bowl standards

During most of the 21st century, the New England Patriots formed the greatest dynasty in NFL history. Of course, Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback in NFL history, was the catalyst of the team’s success. He was far from the only reason that the team racked up six championships over a nearly two-decade span, though.

Rob Gronkowski also became one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history in New England, and Josh McDaniels had tons of success as a play-caller/offensive coordinator for the team. McDaniels, who has had three separate stints with the Patriots, returned to New England last year, just in time for the Patriots to make yet another Super Bowl. Of course, it wasn’t Brady leading the way anymore. Instead, Drake Maye is now the man under center. McDaniels sees flashes of a Patriot of old in New England’s newest trade acquisition, too.

The Patriots just traded a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder for A.J. Brown. One of the best yards-after-catch receivers in the NFL, Brown had become disgruntled with the Philadelphia Eagles, resulting in the trade to New England that landed the Patriots a much-needed top receiving option. Despite the presence of an MVP-caliber quarterback, the Patriots lacked pass-catching star power after the release of Stefon Diggs.

“There’s a force to the way he plays the game,” McDaniels said about Brown. “I’m not sure I’ve been around one that looks just like him; maybe the closest thing I’ve seen is Gronk.”

Gronkowski thrived in New England because he was a superior physical specimen to his peers. Brown is similarly a freak athlete with incredible size, strength, and speed. While Brown and the retired tight end play different positions, McDaniels will surely use his new receiver in unique ways, like he did during Gronk’s playing days. Head coach Mike Vrabel, who coached Brown during his days with the Tennessee Titans, is also thrilled about the move.

“He’s somebody that we feel strongly about as a person, a competitor, and a teammate,” Vrabel said.

There is no shadow of a doubt that Brown will have a big role in New England this season, and he may be the missing piece that allows the Patriots to hoist the Lombardi Trophy yet again.

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