Kansas City, Mo. (WEEI/WGR 550) - The New England Patriots traded down in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft, but still landed a player many projected to go in the top-10 of the class.
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After moving down to the 17th overall pick, sending the 14th pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England selected cornerback Christian Gonzalez out of the University of Oregon.
Gonzalez transferred to Oregon from Colorado in 2022, and was named to the All-Pac-12 First-Team after recording 50 tackles, seven pass breakups and four interceptions this past season.
He is listed at 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds. Gonzalez is fast and athletic, and scouting reports widely consider him to be especially great in man coverage, which should him make a good fit in the Patriots' defense.