After Rob Gronkowski's retirement, Alabama and New England fans look for Pats to draft Irv Smith Jr.

On Sunday, star New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski announced he was retiring from the NFL after nine seasons.

It was a move that many thought could happen this year, but it was still a bit surprising to see one of the best tight ends ever to play the game call it quits before his 30th birthday.

However, the three-time Super Bowl champion announced via Instagram that he was retiring on Sunday evening:

#Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski announces his retirement. One of the best to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/ml9Zv2PH5Z

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2019

So, now the Pats need a new tight end, and many think coach Bill Belichick could look to Tuscaloosa for Gronk’s replacement.

As you can see below, fans and media members flocked to Twitter to speculate about Alabama TE Irv Smith Jr. making his way to New England in the 2019 NFL Draft:

Irv Smith Jr. to the Pats at No. 32? https://t.co/pRPlnHJ0Ql

— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) March 24, 2019

Let’s all put Irv Smith to the Patriots in our mock drafts folks

— thomas (@DutchPantherFan) March 24, 2019

Guarantee the Pats get Fant or Irv Smith at TE. Unless hock somehow falls that low.

— GoGetRosen (@_mattschoen_) March 24, 2019

With Rob Gronkowski announcing his retirement, watch the New England Patriots target Alabama’s Irv Smith in the NFL Draft.

— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 24, 2019

https://twitter.com/ewhigham/status/1109939684120162304

https://twitter.com/8_11_dev/status/1109941334192914432

It’s been a common pick in mock drafts for months now but Irv Smith to the Patriots just makes so much sense, especially with Gronk officially retired.

Note: I especially Hockenson and Fant to be off the board before the Pats pick.

— ITC (@interceptthecom) March 24, 2019

If New England don’t draft Irv Smith ima be sick

— Regis Troutman (@Fried_Trout2) March 24, 2019

Bill Belichick was in Tuscaloosa for Alabama’s recent pro day, so it’s certainly possible he could take Smith when the time comes.