New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez played outstanding football as a rookie before unfortunately suffering a season-ending injury in October. Now healthy and fully recovered, Gonzalez should enjoy a complete breakout season as a sophomore.
The No. 17 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Gonzalez hit the ground running in Bill Belichick's secondary as an immediate starter. Gonzalez recorded his first career interception against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2 in a game in which he played impressive coverage against Tyreek Hill.
Christian Gonzalez had the LOCKS on Tyreek Hill last night 😳
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) September 18, 2023
Gonzalez was targeted just TWICE while he was in coverage on Hill.
He didn’t allow a SINGLE reception and came away with an interception on one of the targets.
Gonzalez is currently allowing a passer rating of 58.5… pic.twitter.com/oNNDvdaWqz
Gonzalez was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September. A few days later, the Oregon standout suffered season-ending injuries versus the Dallas Cowboys. Gonzalez was placed on injured reserve and his rookie campaign ended there.
All in all, Pro Football Focus credited Gonzalez with allowing 16 receptions on 24 targets for 157 yards and zero touchdowns. Opposing quarterbacks saw a lackluster passer rating of 67.5 when targeting him in coverage. Gonzalez allowed less than a first down per completion (9.8 yards) en route to a solid coverage grade of 79.3.
Despite how short-lived it was, the entire league was impressed with Gonzalez's rookie season. He recently earned an honorable mention by NFL executives and coaches in ESPN's league-wide poll that ranked the top 10 cornerbacks in the league. That's quite the shout-out given he played just four games.
The Patriots have undergone sweeping changes this offseason. Jerod Mayo replaced Belichick as head coach. Mayo promoted DeMarcus Covington from defensive line coach to defensive coordinator. Mayo decided to retain cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino on his staff. Pellegrino coached Gonzalez last season and Gonzalez will appreciate the familiarity as he adjusts to the new scheme.
Gonzalez enters the 2024 season as the Patriots' No. 1 cornerback. Jonathan Jones projects as his opposite boundary starter for a second consecutive campaign. Third-year corner Marcus Jones, who suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2, should be the nickel corner.
A slew of cornerbacks who played snaps for the Patriots last year due to injury are no longer present. That list includes Myles Bryant, J.C. Jackson, and Jalen Mills. The Patriots are relying on their young corners like Gonzalez and Marcus Jones to stay healthy and productive.
Mayo and Covington are going to trust Gonzalez to shut down opposing No. 1 receivers. The debut matchup in Week 1 is versus Ja'Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals. It'll be D.K. Metcalf and the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Gonzalez will struggle if he doesn't immediately knock off the rust from last year's injury.
Gonzalez was playing like an elite cornerback before his rookie season ended prematurely due to injury. If the first-rounder picks up where he left off, he'll complete the breakout campaign he appeared destined for in 2023. Gonzalez possesses an opportunity to establish himself among the league's most ascending cornerbacks in 2024.
