The hype for University of Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez reached a fever pitch at the 2023 Scouting Combine, running an elite 4.38-second 40-yard sprint, leaping out of the building with a 41.5″ vertical, and topping it off with a 11′ 1″ broad jump. The game film on Gonzalez wows as well. The 6′ 1″, 200-lb Junior earned All-Pac-12 honors in 2022 with 50 tackles, 4 interceptions with 7 passes defended, displaying impeccable physicality and athleticism.
Gonzalez’s strengths are highlighted by an uncanny ability to excelling in man-press coverage, pushing receivers toward the boundary during vertical attempts better than no other prospect in the draft. His strength and length makes him a bully in press coverage.
Additionally, his top-end speed allows Gonzalez to match up with any team’s best receiver with little to no problem.
Some of his shortcomings, however, are that he struggles a bit in the timing and anticipation of route breaks and that he does not recognize run plays as quickly as desired. Tackling issues are also cited, but honestly, what corner actually doesn’t struggle with tackling in today’s NFL?
Despite the shortcomings, Gonzalez is considered by many to be a top-10 prospect in this draft and an immediate starter on any team’s secondary. His weaknesses are coachable remedies that can likely be solved with NFL-level coaching and repetition during rookie mini-camp and mandatory practices this off-season. Look for the Las Vegas Raiders to likely draft Gonzalez at #7 and place him immediately at the CB1 position. He is my odds-on favorite to walk the podium in Kansas City, donning the Silver and Black draft cap come April 27th.
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