Weeks of speculating over what the New England Patriots were going to do with the No. 17 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft came to an end with the team selecting Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez in the first round on Thursday night.
The Patriots took a bit of a gamble by trading out of the No. 17 spot with Gonzalez still on the board. But somehow, they were able to move three picks back, grab another fourth-round pick in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers and still get their guy.
Gonzalez has lockdown corner potential at the next level. It’s shocking he was still on the board after a career-high four interceptions and seven pass deflections with the Ducks in 2022.
The Patriots addressed a major defensive need in a big way with this selection.
