4 potential breakout stars on the Patriots for the 2023 season

Christian Gonzalez

One of the least shocking names on this list, Christian Gonzalez is one of the most poised to have a breakout rookie season for the Patriots.

Besides being a first-round pick earlier this year, Gonzalez has performed up to the hype so far. He played alongside the starting defense as soon as spring practices began and continued to impress his coaches and teammates throughout the summer.

Because of this, he's poised to be a starter as soon as week one, something uncommon in a Belichick-led team. If what he showed during the summer translates onto the field, he could be a significant component to propel the Patriots' secondary to the top of the league alongside Jack and Jonathan Jones, a potentially lethal trio for any opposing offense.

So far, Gonzalez has set the bar high for himself, and there's no reason to believe he won't be able to live up to that standard. With his natural abilities and mentorship from some well-respected veterans on the defense, he could be well on his way to stardom as soon as this season.