NFL Draft Profile: New England Patriots Select Oregon DB Christian Gonzalez

NFL Draft profile scouting report for Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez

Christian Gonzalez
Oregon Ducks

#21
Pos: CB
Ht: 6013
Wt: 197
Hand: 0948
Arm: 3200
Wing: 7678
40: 4.38
DOB: 2/28/2002
Hometown: The Colony, TX
High School: The Colony
Eligibility: 2023

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One-Liner:

An exceptional athlete that has all the movement skills and demeanor of a true shutdown corner.

Evaluation:

Terrific length and subtle weight that doest burden his athleticism. Tons of press-bail alignments, typically to the boundary. He has blitzed from the field and has an impact on the pass. Plays the ball in the air for back-shoulder pass breakups. Smooth transitioner. Everything is easy and fluid from pedal to crossover run or hip flip to sprint. He can recover when stumbling and squeezing receivers to the pilon while playing their hip pocket. He can reset over the middle of the field, easily mirroring the target while perfectly timing up his hand usage to deter the pass. He has carried vertical patterns in true cover three, playing outside in and negating what would be an open-seam throw. He plays the run well but can be late to trigger at times or run himself out of the play. Can be outmanned at the catch point. He could struggle against large possession receivers. Would like to see him add physicality when playing the ball. Gonzalez is a true number one corner that can mirror and match with easy fluidity and subtle movement patterns. Answering any questions about ball skills this season, his tape leaves little to discern, making him a consideration for the first corner selected in the draft.

Grade:

1st round

Quotes:

“The general feel for the entire 2023 NFL Draft cycle has been that, while the CB class has talent, it doesn't quite have a blue-chip prospect like we've seen in previous years."

I think Christian Gonzalez might be the one who changes that.”

Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network Via Twitter

Background: 

Originally from The Colony, Texas. Attended The Colony High School and was rated as a four-star prospect by 247Sports. Began his college career at the University of Colorado Boulder. During the shortened 2020 year, he saw a lot of playing time, starting in all six games, totaling twenty-five tackles. He continued this strong play going into the following season, starting all twelve games and totaling fifty-three tackles, which ranked first on the team among defensive backs. He decided to transfer to the University of Oregon prior to the 2022 season. Had an outstanding season, starting in all twelve games and totaling fifty tackles. He also had four interceptions, which was top on the team. Named part of the 2022 AP All-Pac 12 Second Team. He declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.