Jimmy Graham

Rico Gathers said he used to watch a lot of film of tight ends Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham earlier in his career but eventually started viewing highlights of New England star Rob Gronkowski.

"I feel like me and Gronkowski got the same kind of run style, play style, so I watch him a lot nowadays," Gathers said. "And Witten, just watching him. I think for a transition player it's about finding out what is comfortable for you and being able to execute your assignments as well as you can."

Related players: Blake Jarwin, Geoff Swaim

With Witten retired, Gathers has a chance to see the field this year ... something that hasn't happened over his first two seasons thanks mostly to a concussion. Gathers is also working on his blocking. We currently have Gathers third on the depth chart behind Jarwin and Swaim.