Home Featured Banner

Patriots Draft CB Christian Gonzalez After 1st Round Trade

The Patriots had 3 big areas of need entering the 2023 NFL Draft. Offensive tackle, wide receiver, and cornerback. New England not only filled one of those needs but in the process got what many considered to be a top 10 value and the consensus best player at his position in cornerback Christian Gonzalez out of Oregon.

Not only did the patriots land Gonzalez but they did so after trading down from 14th to 17th, and adding a 4th round pick to boot (120 overall.)

Last season, Gonzalez finished with four interceptions and 11 passes defensed, earning All Pac 12 honors. Gonzalez clocked a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and has excelled in man-to-man coverage.

Here’s what CLNS draft expert Taylor Kyles wrote about Gonzalez prior to the draft.,

Patriots perspective: A First Team All-Pac 12 selection who led his team in both interceptions and passes defensed last season, Gonzalez has the size, athleticism, and intelligence to become a Pro Bowler before his second contract. He’s at his best playing press man coverage on the boundary, but Gonzalez has the instincts and ball skills to excel in zone coverage, as well as experience bumping into the slot. He’s also a physical, high-effort run defender, traits New England likes in their top corners. Gonzalez is unlikely to make it out of the top 10, but he’d be a scheme-changing presence capable of matching up and competing with any receiver type.

Gonzalez joins a defensive backfield that also has Marcus Jones and Jack Jones, both taken in last year’s draft. The Patriots also have Jonathan Jones returning as well as Jalen Mills who is expected to slide over the safety.

 

John Zannis

Recent Posts

Neemias Queta Received Assist from Andre Drummond on Path to Starting

BOSTON -- Neemias Queta rolled, raced in transition and flexed to the crowd on his career night.…

2 hours ago

Neemias Queta just showed he’s one of NBA’s ELITE bigs — You Got Boston w/ Noa Dalzell

Celtics reporter Noa Dalzell recaps the Celtics' 114-98 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, headlined by…

2 hours ago

Queta Shines Against Philly | Celtics vs 76ers Postgame Show

The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 114-98, led by a career game from Neemias…

13 hours ago

The GOAT of NBA All Star Games with Nick Gelso

The NBA All-Star Game Once Meant Something… The NBA All-Star Game today is often criticized…

20 hours ago

Mike Giardi: Patriots Should Not Pay Raiders’ Asking Price for Maxx Crosby | All 32 NFL Podcast

Mike breaks down which areas of the Patriots roster need bolstering, why Maxx Crosby would…

1 day ago