Why Christian Gonzalez Will Be a True Threat at Corner

Eric Canha, USA TODAY Sports

Foxborough, Massachusetts (PSF) - New England drafted Christian Gonzalez with the 17th overall pick back in April in the 2023 NFL Draft and he has been making some noise during the offseason for the New England Patriots. Here are three reasons why the former Oregon Duck will make an impact instantly for the New England Patriots.

1. Bill Belichick

Lets get the obvious one out of the way first. Bill Belichick knows how to scout college cornerbacks. Finding the hidden gems or just playing the waiting game and see if that player is still there. That is what Bill did and it worked out in his favor. Patriots needed that true CB1 and it would have been foolish of Belichick to not take Gonzalez with the pick. It was a shocker by some but at the end of the day Bill might be on to something.

2. Getting reps with the first team

The ceiling is high with Gonzalez and even prior to the arrest of cornerback Jack Jones, Gonzales has been working with ones and has been making some very good impressions for the defense. Even being praised by the man himself Bill Belichick shows a positive sign for the rookie. Many positive first impressions were shown by the cornerback and there is still more yet to come for Gonzalez.

3. Athleticism

New England has been looking for a cornerback who is athletic. Especially for the threats that are currently at wide receiver in the AFC with names such as Stefon Diggs, Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Patriots had no cornerbacks other than Jonathan Jones who were able to match with the speed and athleticism of the deep threat wide outs for all three AFC East Rivals. Gonzalez might just be the key to the Patriots of having a complete lockdown defense.