Christian Gonzalez, selected 17th overall by the New England Patriots in the 2023 NFL Draft, has quickly made a significant impact on the league. Coming from Oregon, Gonzalez entered the NFL with impressive speed, ball skills, and coverage stats, making quarterbacks uneasy. By his second season, he was already showing his potential as a standout player, with a Pro Football Focus grade of 78.2 and a passer rating of 70.5 when thrown at. He has successfully locked down top wide receivers and proved he belongs among the elite cornerbacks in the NFL.
However, Gonzalez’s journey wasn’t without challenges. On draft night, he was expecting to be a top 10 pick, but when he slipped to 17, it left him frustrated. In an interview with the Frat Rules Podcast, Gonzalez admitted to being upset, noting that he felt he was better than the third cornerback selected in the draft. Rather than letting this disappointment hinder him, he used it as motivation, turning that frustration into a driving force on the field. As a result, Gonzalez has emerged as a formidable defensive presence, not just a promising rookie.
🚨NEWS: #Patriots superstar cornerback Christian Gonzalez was pissed off he was the 3rd CB drafted.
“I was hot… I was mad because I was already the third CB taken… Like, I know I’m not the third corner out of this class. I know I’m not the third corner.”
HE IS NOW AN ALL-PRO. pic.twitter.com/8FEejkOdMD
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) February 18, 2025
By the end of his second season, Gonzalez had allowed just 54.8% of passes thrown his way to be completed. He also recorded two interceptions and seven pass breakups, and earned a Pro Bowl selection. His rise has cemented his place as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks, making the 17th pick look insignificant in hindsight.
Gonzalez has also demonstrated respect for the best players in the game. On the podcast, he praised Ja’Marr Chase, calling him one of the top wide receivers in the league. Gonzalez noted that Chase’s size and ability to make plays after the catch remind him of a running back, particularly someone like Derrick Henry. This recognition shows Gonzalez’s maturity and understanding of the game as he continues to rise in stature alongside stars like rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are positioning themselves for a big offseason move, with nearly $120 million in cap space. One potential move could be signing Cooper Kupp, a Super Bowl champion and former Offensive Player of the Year. Kupp, who has two years left on his $80 million contract with the Rams, could be just what the Patriots need to elevate their offense. With Maye already performing well, Kupp’s veteran leadership and proven production could give the young quarterback the support he needs to thrive.
Kupp would not only bolster the Patriots’ receiving corps, which has struggled in recent years, but also take the pressure off younger players like Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, and Demario Douglas. With Kupp on board, the offense would gain a dynamic weapon, potentially setting the team up for greater success. The Patriots have long had difficulty finding elite wide receivers, and adding Kupp could help them provide Maye with a true star receiver. Given their substantial cap space, signing Kupp might be the bold move the Patriots need to make their Super Bowl aspirations a reality.