After months of speculation that Rob Gronkowski was either going to retire or be traded, he is back in New England and ready to once again be the focal point of the Patriots passing game.

Here are my thoughts on the tight end position.

Starter: Rob Gronkowski

Back-Ups: Dwayne Allen, Jacob Hollister, Ryan Izzo (PS)

Position Thoughts: Provided he stays healthy, Rob Gronkowski should once again be the best tight end in the NFL. Gronkowski combines elite size, athleticism and route running to generate match ups for the Patriots. Gronkowski is virtually impossible to defend when he is detached from a formation. He truly is a match up nightmare.

Dwayne Allen was a disappointment in his first season in New England , especially considering he is making $5 million a year. Allen is still an elite blocker for the position but he needs to do more in the passing game. The Patriots will count on him more in the passing game. Allen has had a terrific training camp thus far.

Second year tight end Jacob Hollister will battle rookie Ryan Izzo for the third tight end spot. Hollister is the better receiver and can do more in the passing game but Izzo is the better run blocker and is effective as a receiver in the red zone.

The only real question regarding the tight ends is Gronkowski’s health. Outside of that, figuring out who will be the third tight end is the only other question regarding the position.