Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker and tight end Rob Gronkowski were both named to the 2011 Associated Press All-Pro team today.
This is a big honor since unlike the Pro Bowl, the AP All-Pro team is made up of the best players in the entire NFL regardless of conference. In total, there were 16 players from the NFC and 12 from the AFC.
Welker led the Patriots with 122 catches (on 172 targets) and 1569 yards (12.9 yards per catch). He also scored a career-high nine touchdowns. He had a ridiculous 21 catches of 20+ yards which is a ton for a slot receiver. He averaged 98.1 receiving yards per game with an amazing 732 yards after the catch and 77 first downs.
Gronkowski had 90 catches (on 124 targets) for an NFL record 1327 yards (14.7 yards per catch) and also a record 17 touchdowns. He had 22 catches that were 20+ yards and he averaged 82.9 receiving yards per game. Gronk had 656 yards after the catch and he picked up 69 (how fitting) first downs.
Everybody knows that they are the two most important targets for Tom Brady heading into the playoffs. Aaron Hernandez really emerged this season and particularly down the stretch but in a big situation, you want the ball going to Welker or Gronk because they'll almost always deliver. And if anyone is wondering why Brady isn't an All-Pro, have you ever heard of Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers? Both had better seasons.
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