Duck Season: Patriots Select Oregon Cornerback Christian Gonzalez With First Pick

After a predictable trade-down, the New England Patriots have filled a major need at cornerback with Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots have bolstered their depth chart at cornerback by selecting Christian Gonzalez with the No. 17 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Originally slated to pick at 14 overall, the Pats traded their No. 14 pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for their first round selection at number 17, as well as a fourth-rounder, No. 120 overall.

Gonzalez projects as an athletic corner with the ability to immediately contribute on the perimeter. He is well-sized at 6-1, 197 pound, with the height and length to match up against opposing teams’ top receivers on the outside. He finished his 2022 season with the Ducks having compiled 35 tackles, four interceptions and four passes-defensed. Gonzalez is a cover corner who flashes the ability to lock down his side of the field, and will get the chance to do so for the Pats opposite veteran Jonathan Jones. 

The Patriots entered this year’s draft with 11 selections -- headlined by their first-rounder at 14 followed by picks at 46, 76 and 107. Given coach Bill Belichick’s history, a draft day trade was considered a distinct possibility. During his 22 years at the helm in New England, the 71-year old has made a league-high 86 draft-day trades. For comparison, the Philadelphia Eagles are second over that span with 67.

Just last season, the Pats traded down, sending the No. 21 selection to the Kansas City Chiefs for pick 29, with which they selected offensive lineman Cole Strange.

Of course, there was also precedent for Belichick trading up to procure his coveted target. He did so in 2012 to select both Chandler Jones (21) and Dont’a Hightower (25) in the first round.

In addition to Jones, Gonzalez will now join Jack Jones, Marcus Jones, Myles Bryant and Shaun Wade on the Patriots depth chart at the position in 2023. 

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