Patriots Patience: Christian Gonzalez Scouting Timeline 'Over a Year'
FOXBORO — When it comes to NFL Draft strategy, there are several teams which are content to play the ball as it lies.
Then, there are the New England Patriots.
Before Pats Nation could complete their collective groan at yet another trade-down from coach Bill Belichick, the team already had Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez in their line of sight. From the post-draft account provided by director of player personnel Matt Groh, New England has been eying their newly-minted first-round selection for quite some time.
“Excited to be able to add Christian Gonzalez to the team … a player we have certainly been on here for the last year,” Groh told said. “Tony Kinkela, our west national scout, lives out in Boise, knowing the Pac-12 really well, from Christian's time at Colorado and then moving with Coach Demetrice Martin from Colorado to Oregon. Tony, Chris Caminiti, those guys were on Christian early. We've spent a lot of time watching over the last year with the eye of him possibly coming out early.”
Heading into the draft's opening round, the 20-year-old had been a near-consensus top-10 pick. However, his surprising descent down the board created an opportunity for the Pats to bolster their secondary, while maximizing their draft capital.
With New England slated to select at 14, it completed a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire pick No. 17 as well as an additional fourth-round selection.
Sure enough, the Pats selected Gonzalez, while the Steelers chose Georgia offenisve tackle — and rumored New York Jets target at No. 15 — Broderick Jones.
According to Groh, the process played out as much by design, as it was by happenstance.
“There was a feeling that he might still be available.” Said Groh. “But, we were trying to do our research … trying to stay ahead of things. Had a pretty good inclination as to who Washington was going to take [Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes] … so we were able to quickly discuss which direction we wanted to go.
“Again, it's tough to say really, 'this guy's going to be there.' But, it's nice when you've got a consensus on a player. So from the coaching staff, to the scouts, we're fairly unified grade wise on Christian. That just sped the process along.”
Gonzalez has the chance to become the Patriots most versatile, yet athletic perimeter corner since the departure of former All-Pro Stephon Gilmore. He is well-sized at 6-2, 200 pounds, with the height and length to match up against opposing teams’ top receivers on the outside. 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’s presence should strengthen the Patriots depth chart, while seemingly (and shockingly) unifying what had previously been a divided fan base — all before taking his first snap in a Pats uniform. However, landing what many are calling the potentially ‘biggest steal’ in the draft is just another day at the office for Groh and the Patriots brain trust — making the past year of scouring and research well-worth the investment.
“To be able to pick up Christian … I feel very encouraged.” Groh said with a knowing grin.
Judging by their reaction to Gonzalez's selection, the majority of Patriots Nation agrees with him.
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