Instant reaction as Patriots select Christian Gonzalez 17th overall
Patriots fans have been conditioned to be disappointed on night one of the NFL Draft, bracing for Bill Belichick to trade down or go off the board and pick someone many expected to go a round or two later.
This year, it appeared that it may be more of the same when the Patriots traded out of the 14th overall pick with several exciting names still on the board.
However, they only dropped three spots to 17. And when a few of those players were still available, they delighted many Patriots fans by taking one who was projected to be a top-10 pick: Cornerback Christian Gonzalez out of Oregon.
Gonzalez could give the Patriots a true No. 1 corner with size and speed who is capable of covering top receivers 1-on-1. The early returns seem to be that the pick is almost universally loved, including by Rich Keefe's All-Night Draft Party on WEEI.
"Bill gambled and he won!," exclaimed Nick "Fitzy" Stevens, referencing Belichick passing on Gonzalez at 14 only to still get him at 17. "We overreacted for no reason three picks ago."
"Some had him as the No. 1 corner in the draft," Keefe said. "Ran a 4.38 40. I saw some mock drafts today he was going third overall. I didn't think he was a real consideration for them at 14. He is the biggest faller, I would say. ... What a great pick."
"If Belichick wants to go back to man coverage, this is the guy you want," added Chris Scheim.
Watch the guys' reaction below, as well as reaction from analysts around the NFL. Listen to the full segment in the audio player above.