High Five?! Bold Prediction For Patriots Rookie Christian Gonzalez

Before his first preseason game, NFL experts are already predicting big things - and five interceptions - from New England Patriots rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

No. 50 on his jersey. No. 1 on the depth chart. Though New England Patriots rookie Christian Gonzalez has to earn a more preferable uniform number by proving himself worthy during Bill Belichick's training camp, much is already expected from the cornerback selected 17th overall in last April's NFL Draft.

Lanky but impressively smooth in his movements and ball skills, the Oregon product will be given a chance to win over the Foxboro faithful as he takes over a starting job on a defense that last season finished in the Top 10 and scored five touchdowns.

Gonzalez is already moving the needle among stat geeks, as USA Today is predicting the cornerback will finish his rookie season with a healthy five interceptions and nine passes defended. Says the site:

"The general consensus after the first round is that the Patriots found themselves a steal at the 17th overall pick. Gonzalez has an immense skill ceiling and is going to fit perfectly into the New England defense. There is little doubt Gonzalez will start immediately, and he could be the next great defensive back in Foxborough very quickly."

The last Patriots' cornerback to have five interceptions? J.C. Jackson in 2019. Jonathan Jones led the team with four last season.

Whether he reaches that lofty statistical goal right off the bat, Gonzalez also has another expert convinced of his imminent stardom.

"He’s one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached ... the ultimate professional,” University of Oregon coach Dan Lanning said of Gonzalez in a recent interview with ESPN. "He has a demeanor that just means business, is a great kid, is always looking to improve, but also looking to be a great teammate. He never has to be the loudest voice in the room but shows up on game day and the performance speaks for itself.”

In a secondary along with Jonathan Jones, veteran Jalen Mills, Marcus Jones and talented-but-troubled second-year cornerback Jack Jones - who has an Aug. 18 court date for a June gun-related arrest - the Pats need Gonzalez to be the player everyone projects him to be.

---

Follow Richie Whitt on Twitter

Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.