'We Needed It': Patriots Jonathan Jones On Drafting Christian Gonzalez
Cornerback was a need discussed in the pre-draft process for the New England Patriots, which they believe is solved by selecting Oregon's Christian Gonzalez No. 17 overall.
After using a rotation of rookies Jack Jones and Marcus Jones opposite Jonathan Jones for most of 2022, the Patriots wanted to find a long-term solution that fits the mold of Bill Belichick's historical cornerback profile. Following the Patriots finishing 16th in passing yards allowed per game, Jonathan acknowledged the need for help.
“We needed it,” Jones told the Boston Herald. “We need help. We need all the help that we can get. We’ve had a lot of transition at that position over the last few years.”
Jones is right. Three seasons ago, he was the slot cornerback for the Patriots as Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson manned the outside. Both of those players moved on within a season of each other. Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers in the middle of the 2020 season. At the same time, Jackson would leave Foxboro in free agency following the 2021 season. Yet, New England never actually replaced either.
Yes, the Patriots drafted Marcus Jones and Jack Jones after losing Jackson in free agency. But that proved to be just a short-term solution as Gonzalez was taken the following year.
The Patriots also added Michigan State's Ameer Speed with their sixth-round pick and Isaiah Bolden with their seventh-round pick to help bolster their depth at the cornerback position. With those three rookies in the building following the conclusion of the Patriots' rookie minicamp, Jones gave his thoughts on his new young teammates.
“It’s Day 2 of them really being in,” Jones said. “They’ve come in, in the meetings, they’re trying to answer questions. They’re participating, and that’s a start. That’s a start. … All the guys have been in there. We’ve met them all. They’ve all just bought in — answering questions, asking questions and just trying to learn.”
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