The Patriots have high expectations for rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who they selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Apparently the national media does as well.
NFL Network’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein named one pivotal rookie for each NFL team for 2023. Naturally, New England’s is Gonzalez:
“Gonzalez possesses a combination of size, speed and fluidity that is hard to find, but his instincts have been a bit average -- that will need to improve against NFL offenses. Defensive end Keion White is worth mentioning here, as he was quite disruptive in the Patriots' preseason opener and could enjoy a solid rookie campaign, but Gonzalez's performance feels more crucial if New England is to compete for a playoff spot in the challenging AFC East.”
The rookie has been thrown right into the mix during Patriots training camp this summer, having already been given the one of team’s starting outside cornerback positions on defense. Opposite him has been a rotation of Joneses (Jonathan, Jack, and Marcus), but Gonzalez remains a mainstay. He got his first sniff of NFL action last Thursday versus Houston, putting up a top-5 rookie performance on the weekend according to PFF.
“It was fun,” Gonzalez, whose quiet but confident demeanor is reminiscent of former Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore. “Get in tomorrow, watch the film, and just get back to work.”
After practices in Foxborough on Sunday and Monday, Gonzalez and the Patriots touched down in Green Bay on Tuesday to face off against the Packers for two joint practices and a preseason game on Saturday. The rookie will get a look against a number of young, talented receivers this week, including Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.
The former Oregon Duck certainly has a lot on his plate at just 21 years old. Ready or not, here it comes.
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