New England Patriots star Christian Gonzalez is developing a reputation as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
On Thursday, ESPN released its ranking of the top 10 cornerbacks in the NFL based on a survey of league executives. The 23-year-old Gonzalez ranked No. 6 on the list.
Pretty good for a guy who was widely believed to be snubbed from the Pro Bowl last year.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that Gonzalez “caught the league’s full attention” during an injury-shortened rookie season in 2023 and made a big leap in 2024.
One anonymous coach polled by ESPN said that Gonzalez has the potential be on the same level as Denver Broncos star Patrick Surtain II, who was ranked No. 1 on the list.
“I think Gonzo is the next great one,” a veteran NFL assistant said to ESPN. “Skills, patience, length. He’s the closest thing to Pat (Surtain II). Smooth, big athlete, travels a lot, can matchup against the best guy.”
While his rookie season was cut short due to injury, Gonzalez made huge strides in his sophomore year in the NFL. The cornerback emerged as one of the faces as the franchise en route to being named to the All-Pro Second Team.
Gonzalez ranked just ahead of the Carolina Panthers’ Jaycee Horn, who was (briefly) the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history when he signed an extension back in March.
Gonzalez ranked right behind the New York Jets’ Sauce Gardner, who became the new highest-paid cornerback in the NFL after inking a new contract earlier this week.
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