The New England Patriots may have a ton of hype surrounding their new franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, but he is far from the best individual player on this roster. Until proven otherwise, it might be hard to argue that anyone other than star young cornerback Christian Gonzalez deserves that title.
The Patriots were gifted an All-Pro when Gonzalez slid to No. 17 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft after months of reports suggested he was a lock for the Top 10. New England ran up to the podium to take him, and they have been thrilled with the early results. Imagine if Emmanuel Forbes was the pick here.
Gonzalez was ranked as the No. 84 player in the league in the NFL's annual Top 100 ranking. To get that kind of recognition after just one full season on a terrible Patriots team speaks volumes as to the type of player that the former Oregon star has become in the pros.
While it's amazing to see Gonzalez's tremendous 2024 season get praised in this manner, Patriots fans won't be satisfied until he climbs even higher up those rankings. Perhaps one or two more All-Pro seasons will be enough to grab everyone's attention.
Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez ranked 84th in NFL's Top 100
Gonzalez, who graded as the 20th-best cornerback in the league in the eyes of Pro Football Focus, knocked away 11 passes and intercepted two more during his first full season. Gonzalez was able to perform at an elite level despite playing on a declining defense that lacked star power.
Gonzalez, who played just four games in his rookie season due to injury, has made such an impact on the rest of the league that he is avoided in coverage. Now that Gonzalez has more defensive structure around him, he should be even better in 2025.
Gonzalez will be paired with free agent signing Carlton Davis, instantly forming one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL. With the immense coaching upgrade Mike Vrabel brings when compared to Jerod Mayo, Gonzalez can get some consistency around him for the first time in his pro career.
Gonzalez lasting until the 17th pick was equal parts mysterious and an indictment of the NFL scouting community. The Patriots' decision to take advantage of the league's mistake may have created one of the best cornerback tandems the NFL has seen in quite some time.