Aaron Hernandez: Man, Myth, or Legend?

Many Pats fans have been pleasantly suprised by the play of fourth round pick Aaron Hernandez in the 2010 season. I know I definitely have. A quick look at the depth chart shows that Hernandez didn't walk into a team in need of receivers either. Between Welker, Tate, Moss, Edelman, Crumpler, Slater, and now Deion Branch, Hernandez didn't exactly walk on. To make matters tougher, fellow rookie Rob Gronkowski was also fighting for a position at tight end.

Hernandez began his career in high school by establishing the national record for yards receiving per game (180.7). He also set multiple Connecticut state records. Hernandez continued his success at Florida, setting the career-record for receptions by a tight end (111), as well as the single game record (9) for a Gator tight end in the 2010 Sugar Bowl vs. Cincinnati. Aaron averaged almost 12.5 yards per catch and posted 12 touchdowns in his college career. Hernandez made 68 of his 111 career catches in his final season and set another record for single-season receptions by a Gator.

So far this season, Hernandez has the second most receptions (18) behind Wes Welker and leads the team in receiving yards with 240. He also has the longest reception of current players with a 46 yard catch. Despite this success, Hernandez still has not caught a touchdown in the NFL.

So what's your take? Man, myth, or legend? Like Devin McCourty, I'm going to call Aaron Hernandez a legend. He's outdone fellow rookie Rob Gronkowski and is a leader by example, even as a rookie. Hernandez could quickly become Brady's #1, pending the play of Deion Branch. But more importantly, Hernandez looks to simply provide Brady with another strong option, another reason why the Patriots (even without Moss) are more and more looking like the Super Bowl contenders we love.