Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez: ‘Excited to Learn From the Best’
FOXBORO — With their selection at No. 17 in the 2023 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots added Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez to their promising group of young defensive backs.
In the process, they may have also procured a potential opening day steal, who just happens to be eager to play in New England.
"I'm really just excited for the opportunity to learn from the best,” Gonzalez told reporters doing his first video conference with the New England media. "Great atmosphere. Good ball gets played up there.”
Originally projected as a possible top-five selection, Gonzalez surprisingly found himself falling to the Pats at pick No. 17. In fact, New England had actually traded down three spots with the Pittsburgh Steelers before choosing the highly-touted Ducks’ cornerback. Needless to say, Gonzalez was a bit surprised descent.
"A little bit, but everything happens for a reason," Gonzalez said with a grin. “But, they put their trust in me, I'll put the trust back."
Gonzalez has the chance to become the Patriots most versatile, yet athletic corner since the departure of former All-Pro Stephon Gilmore. He is well-sized at 6-1, 197 pounds, with the height and length to match up against opposing teams’ top receivers on the outside. His athleticism was on full display during his pre-draft testing period, registering a 9.95 Relative Athletic Score — of which his 41.5 vertical jump and 4.38 40–yard dash were key components.
Gonzalez finished his 2022 season with the Ducks having compiled 35 tackles, four interceptions and four passes-defensed.
He also is no stranger to special teams, having played on Oregon’s punt return unit and field-goal block coverages.
Considering his resume, it should come as no surprise that Gonzalez is eager to work with coach Bill Belichick.
"I'm very excited to play under him,” Gonzalez said. “You can't really get a better coach than that."
Belichick is undoubtedly, and perhaps equally, as elated to add Gonzalez to his defensive backfield for the upcoming season and beyond. New England’s secondary had to endure a number of injuries to key players throughout the year, especially at cornerback. With Jalen Mills having missed seven games due to a groin injury, Jonathan Jones inherited the duties as the team’s top perimeter corner. The former slot specialist tied for the team lead in interceptions with four. Both Jack Jones and Marcus Jones showed enough prowess as rookies to indicate a bright future at the position, each grabbing a pair of interceptions respectively. Bryant, who was retained as a restricted free agent, played in all 17 games, taking 61 percent of the Pats defensive snaps, primarily out of the slot.
On the field, Gonzalez is arguably at his best in man coverage. However, his ability to maintain eye contact with the quarterback makes him a potential asset in zone, as well. At the very least, Gonzalez believes that he will provide the Pats with a player who is ready to learn, as well as perform.
"Somebody that's versatile, fast, long, tall, that can move around,” Gonzalez said when asked to provide reporters with an impromptu self-description. “Somebody that loves to learn and just wants to learn all the nuances of the defense and how they all build together."
To the delight of the Patriots and their fans, Gonzalez will be helping to build and fortify New England’s defense for the foreseeable future.
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