{"id":121474,"date":"2023-03-30T08:27:39","date_gmt":"2023-03-30T12:27:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clnsmedia.com\/?p=121474"},"modified":"2023-04-04T21:22:47","modified_gmt":"2023-04-05T01:22:47","slug":"patriots-nfl-draft-zay-flowers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clnsmedia.com\/?p=121474","title":{"rendered":"Kyles: Top 5 Players That Would Make ‘Perfect Patriots’ in 1st Round of NFL Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"\t
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The Patriots did a great job plugging holes in their roster during free agency<\/a>. Nearly every player from last year’s defense will be returning in 2023, and the offense made solid upgrades at pass-catcher while adding necessary depth at offensive tackle and running back.<\/p>\n

Still, there are spots on the roster that need to be addressed. There is no obvious heir to Jakobi Meyers’ top receiver role,<\/a> both tackle spots could use an infusion of youth, and the cornerback room lacks a reliable starter above 5’11”. Luckily, this draft class is loaded at positions where New England should be looking to add young talent come April 27th.<\/p>\n

This \u2018Perfect Patriots\u201d series will explore prospects all over the draft who would be great in New England based on scheme, team needs, and positional value. Let\u2019s kick off with 1st rounders who could make an instant impact.<\/p>\n

CB CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, OREGON<\/strong><\/p>\n

Expert’s Take<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Gonzalez plays with fluid hips<\/a> and blazing top-end speed, which should help him match against top-end targets in the future. He can rough up the release or use mirror-and-match footwork from press-man coverage and he has all the tools to become a highly capable route shadow.”<\/em>
\n– Lance Zerlein, NFL.com<\/em><\/p>\n

How He Fits<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Patriots would likely have to trade up for Gonzalez, but he’s the type of player who could completely change how they play defense. New England’s cornerback room proved formidable last season despite injuries forcing rookies Marcus and Jack Jones to step up in big ways. But the unit lacked someone who could consistently match up with the league’s best receivers, particularly those with size.<\/p>\n

Gonzalez would give them the type of athlete who can match up with any body type or skill set. The Oregon corner has prototypical size for the position and blew away the combine’s speed and explosion testing.<\/p>\n

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Testing numbers don’t always translate to the field, but that’s not the case with Gonzalez. He has excellent closing speed to contest the catch point and bring receivers down quickly. He can run with just about anyone downfield, showing confidence in his transitions while possessing the recovery speed to stay competitive when beaten.<\/p>\n

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Christian Gonzalez with a nice speed turn to take away the go route pic.twitter.com\/GiWEbZmmcs<\/a><\/p>\n

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 24, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n