Jaheim Bell on playing tight end where Rob Gronkowski did: 'I can follow his footsteps'

The New England Patriots looked to rebuild their offense in the NFL Draft for a new era of the team’s storied history. That included adding tight end Jaheim Bell to the mix.

For Bell, this is an opportunity to play for one of the franchises with the most success in NFL history. That includes plenty of success from players like Rob Gronkowski at the tight end position, which he would like to do his best to emulate.

“It was very exciting just knowing that a huge name that a tight end played here, like Gronk,” Jaheim Bell said. “I feel like, you know what I’m saying, I can follow his footsteps. So, being here over these past few days I just been soaking it all in and come Monday just learn from some of the vets and see how things really operate around here, and just get ready to ball.”

Jaheim Bell played for South Carolina and Florida State during his college career. During that time, he certainly flashed the ability needed to compete at the NFL level. That included 95 receptions for 1,260 yards and nine touchdowns. He was even able to carry the ball 84 different times for 303 yards and four touchdowns.

At the same time, living up to the production of Rob Gronkowski in New England probably isn’t going to happen. Gronkowski is one of the all-time great players at the position and he caught the ball from Tom Brady throughout his career.

Field Yates praised Patriots drafting Ja’Lynn Polk, Caedan Wallace, Jaheim Bell

NFL Draft analyst Field Yates praised what the New England Patriots did on offense in the draft, by taking Ja’Lynn Polk, Caedan Wallace, and Jaheim Bell.

“The process here was fundamentally sound. You [Kiper] talked about this. The Patriots had Mac Jones who, as a rookie, looked like he was maybe the best in class from a five quarterback in the first 15 picks class of 2021. Then things deteriorated really quickly. Part of it was the Patriots not having the resources around Mac Jones to help him become a better player,” Yates said.

“It feels like the Patriots have said we’re taking Drake Maye and while we had a quiet free agency, we’re going hunting in the draft to help make sure that Drake Maye is immediately surrounded with better players. So, I was all in on Ja’Lynn Polk. Caedan Wallace is a guy I know our colleague Louis Riddick absolutely loved as well. In the seventh round, even a guy like Jaheim Bell, one of the most versatile players in the NFL Draft. To me, just a sound fundamental process from the New England Patriots, and I love myself some Ja’Lynn Polk. Whoever got him was getting an A in my book…but the Patriots helping out the quarterback is a key.”