Patriots Rookie CB Christian Gonzalez Excited to 'Compete Against the Best'

New England Patriots rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez has been a standout performer during the first week of training camp.

FOXBORO — Rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez is wasting little time in proving that he is the future at the position for the New England Patriots. 

In fact, the 21-year-old may already be atop the Pats depth chart.

Through just five camp practices, New England's first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft (no. 17 overall) has taken nearly all of his reps at perimeter corner with the team's starting defensive unit. Gonzalez has been the only constant at the position, with the trio of Joneses (Jonathan, Marcus and Jack) each seeing time on the opposite side of the boundary. Overall, he has provided tight coverage, while breaking up a number of quarterback Mac Jones' passes. Gonzalez was particularly brilliant in coverage on Sunday, not letting up a single catch. 

Needless to say, the former Oregon standout appears to be adapting quite nicely to life in the NFL. 

“It’s fun. I go out there and get the best competition I can,” Gonzalez told reporters last week. “It excites me to compete against the best ... That’s football.”

In addition to marginally disrupting Jones' completion percentage -- as well as that of reserve quarterback Bailey Zappe -- Gonzalez has routinely drawn coverage against Pats receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who joined the club as a free agent in the offseason. Though Smith-Schuster is primarily known for his stellar work in the slot, his ability to run routes and collect yards after the catch makes him a tough matchup for even the most-seasoned veteran cornerback. To date, Gonzalez has seemingly eared as many victories while opposing Smith-Schuster as the veteran wideout has against him in return. 

Though he is being tested by New England's 'A-team' of receivers, it is important to remember that Gonzalez is still a rookie. Despite the learning curve being a bit less daunting for him than for some of his peers, his coaches and teammates are maintaining realistic expectations for their potential new star. 

“Like all the rookies, he has a long way to go, making progress, learning every day," coach Bill Belichick said of Gonzalez when speaking with reporters on Sunday morning. "You know, new calls, new situations. As our offense evolves and does more things, it presents more problems for the defense. As the defense expands their scheme, it creates more problems for the offense. So, there is a lot of new learning and teaching, new situations that come up every day. Christian is a smart kid, working hard, getting a lot of reps out here. He’s getting better.”

Barring any unforseen circumstances, Gonzalez should begin the season as the  Patriots primary boundary cornerback. Statistically, New England’s rookie phenom already seems well on his way to becoming a competent pro. He finished his 2022 season with the Ducks having compiled 35 tackles, four interceptions and four passes-defensed. He was also one of college football’s most durable players, starting all 12 games he for which he suited up during 2022 — as well as each of the 18 he played for Colorado from 2020-21.

Still, his value is as much about adaptability and athleticism as it is statistical competence. He is well-sized at 6-2, 200 pounds, with the height and length to match up against opposing teams’ top receivers on the outside. In a game setting, Gonzalez is arguably at his best in man coverage. However, his ability to maintain eye contact with the quarterback makes him a potential asset in zone. As such, he appears poised to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks -- especially those who underestimate his abilities. 

Inevitably, Gonzalez's performance during the remainder of training camp is likely to be the key factor in determining his role for the start of the season. He has already shown enough athleticism and field savvy to ensure that he will be a notable part of their corps of cornerbacks, even as a rookie. However, his inherent confidence is still what separates him from his competition. It will also keep his intimidation to a minimum when facing off against NFL's top receivers. 

“I mean confidence is always the thing. It never really came just from coming out here,” Gonzalez said with a slight grin. “It’s something I’ve had. But it’s always good to just come out and compete against the best. So, it doesn’t get better than that.”

Gonzalez and the Patriots will return to the fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium at 9:45 a.m. for their sixth training camp practice. 

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