New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski: Jamie Collins is a "great player"

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has hailed the ability of linebacker Jamie Collins.

The 25-year-old was an integral part of the defense which helped the Patriots win the Super Bowl last season, and Gronkowski believes that facing Collins in practice has helped improve him as a player over the past two years.

"He's a freak," he told reporters. "He's fast, he's long and he's strong. He plays the game of football how it should be.

"He knows how to hit, he knows how to cover. He's an overall great player so it's great going against guys like him. It makes you compete and gets you better."

Collins recorded 116 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions in the 2014 season.