Arizona TE Rob Gronkowski was finally able to work out for scouts at the school's pro day. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)

One of the tougher evaluations in the upcoming draft is Arizona’s Rob Gronkowski. The talented tight end is considered one of the best prospects in the draft at his position, but he missed all of last season with a back injury and wasn’t ready to run drills at the NFL Scouting Combine last month.

Gronkowski was finally able to work out for scouts Saturday, and his performance was eye-opening. He ran outdoors on grass in front of representatives from 15 teams. Bengals tight end coach Jonathan Hayes ran the position drills.

Gronkowski (6-foot-6 1/4, 258 pounds) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds with the wind and 4.73 seconds against the wind. He had a 33 1/2-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot, 11-inch broad jump, a 4.47-second short shuttle and a 7.18-second three-cone drill, and he stood on his bench-press number from the combine. He did all the position drills and looked good catching the ball and running routes. He had just two drops.

Gronkowski’s strong workout should give him a boost heading into the draft.

Rob’s brother, Chris Gronkowski, also worked out. Chris (6-2, 239) ran 4.72 with the wind and 4.71 against the wind in the 40, and he had a 4.40 short shuttle.

– Gil Brandt

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