Scouting Reports:
Walter football: https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2023cgonzalez.php
SI Draft Bible: https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/christian-gonzalez
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/christian-gonzalez-992601d3-a7a0-4f76-b90d-008cedd5b4e1/
Fantasy Pro: https://www.fantasypros.com/2023/01/2023-nfl-draft-scouting-report-christian-gonzalez-cb-oregon/
Articles:
A beginner’s guide to the 2023 NFL Draft’s top 12 prospects, including pro comparisons (Christian Gonzalez: Gonzalez has all the traits of an All-Pro cornerback. In 2022, he put them to proper use. His first season with Oregon after transferring from Colorado ended with four interceptions and All-Pac-12 honors. He’s also 6-foot-1 and runs a 4.3-second 40 — so good luck out-running or outjumping him. NFL comp: Tyson Campbell. Campbell didn’t have Gonzalez’s draft hype, but he’s developed into an upper crust corner for the Jags with room to grow. Gonzalez can be even better as a rookie, putting him on a Pro Bowl track as a rookie, while Campbell didn’t get there until Year 2.) (4-27-23): https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-draft-2023-top-players-comparisons-will-levis-cj-stroud-jaxon-smith-njigba
2023 NFL Draft: Who is the CAN'T-MISS prospect? (Marc Ross - PICK: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon. I am so tempted to go with fellow Princeton Tiger wide receiver Andrei Iosivas, who turned heads at both the Reese's Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine, but instead I'll spotlight a first-round lock in Gonzalez. Throughout the pre-draft process, I've always thought the Oregon product was the best cornerback in this class, possessing tremendous athletic ability, ball skills and speed. The 6-foot-1 3/8, 197-pounder displays everything it takes to become a big-time playmaker at the next level. He has the raw talent to grow into the league's CB1 in the right scheme.) (4-27-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-who-is-the-can-t-miss-prospect
Lions' 2023 Draft Wants (FIRST ROUND - CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: If the Lions go the cornerback route and don't end up with Witherspoon, Gonzalez would be another worthwhile selection at No. 6. He finished his final season at Oregon with a team-high four interceptions (the third-highest total in the Pac-12 for the season), as well as 50 total tackles and one tackle for loss.) (4-27-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2023-draft-wants
The Lions have already overhauled their secondary. More help is coming this week (With three or as many as four quarterbacks expected to go in the top five, plus at least one edge rusher and perhaps two, the Lions seem almost certain of having a shot to draft any quarterback it likes best, whether that’s Devon Witherspoon or Christian Gonzalez. Witherspoon is a former Illinois star who needs no introduction to Lions fans at this point. As one of the top prospects at one of the team’s biggest needs, Witherspoon has separated as the most-mocked player to Detroit, including sweeping the picks here at MLive. Pop in the film sometime, and you’ll see why. He smothered opposing receivers with the best coverage of any draft-eligible player in the country, according to ProFootballFocus. On balls thrown his way, he actually got his hands on more of them (17) than the intended targets (16). And he did it while playing in a predominantly man-coverage scheme, which is also the preferred coverage scheme in, you guessed it, Detroit. I could go on, but I don’t have to. You can’t throw a rock these days without hitting a mock draft that thinks the Lions are taking Witherspoon at No. 6. But the decision isn’t as settled as you might think. Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez is also a top-10 prospect, and he just so happens to be taller, longer and faster than Witherspoon. Tall, long and fast is a pretty good combination for a cornerback, and any team prioritizing traits in its draft decision will prefer him over Witherspoon. At 6-foot-2, that guy burned the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds. He also has inside-out versatility, experience in man as well as zone schemes, and is still just 20 years old. Yeah, he’s not making it out of the top 10. Those are two good and very different options.) (4-26-23): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/04/lions-seem-destined-to-draft-cornerback-even-if-its-not-devon-witherspoon.html
2023 NFL Draft Week Rumors Wednesday (For a lot of the draft process, the consensus top-three cornerback prospects were Illinois' Devon Witherspoon, Oregon's Christian Gonzalez and Penn State's Joey Porter Jr. However, there are teams that differ from that after finishing off their organizational draft meetings. Some franchises have Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes as the third corner behind Witherspoon and Gonzalez. Witherspoon is cemented as the top corner with Gonzalez a lock behind him, but some teams feel Forbes is a better player than Porter. While Forbes is skinny, he is extremely fast and possesses phenomenal ball skills and excellent instincts. Some teams that need corner help will pass on Porter because he is viewed as a press-man only corner and not a good fit for teams that like to play zone or off-man coverage. Hence, don't be shocked if Forbes goes ahead of Porter tomorrow night. The consensus has been to project the Washington Commanders to take a cornerback in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, which is definitely a strong possibility. Washington loves Illinois' Devon Witherspoon, but knows he will be long gone. Oregon's Christian Gonzalez could also be gone by pick No. 16, but if he makes it there, the Commanders could easily end the fall. Sources say that Washington likes Mississippi State's Emmanuel Forbes more than Joey Porter Jr. Forbes is a candidate at for the Commanders with the 16th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.) (4-26-23): https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/2023-NFL-Draft-Week-Rumors-Wednesday
'Smooth as silk' Christian Gonzalez would be natural fit in Aaron Glenn's defense (4-25-23): https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/christian-gonzalez-would-fit-detroit-lions-defense
Why I think the Lions will take Devon Witherspoon over Jalen Carter in NFL draft (Some like Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez more, and that’s easy to see too. Gonzalez is taller, longer and faster, and is a legitimate candidate for the pick too. But Witherspoon was the better, more productive college player. He also plays with the grit and physicality Detroit wants to build this roster around. And he’d solidify a defensive backfield that continues to lack long-term clarity despite signing Cam Sutton, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Emmanuel Moseley in free agency. Sutton is the only cornerback signed beyond this season who has actually played meaningful defensive snaps in the NFL.) (4-25-23): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/04/why-i-think-the-lions-will-take-devon-witherspoon-over-jalen-carter-in-nfl-draft.html
One of these 6 players will be the Detroit Lions' pick at No. 6 overall (Christian Gonzalez (Position: CB. College: Oregon. Vitals: 6-1, 197.) - Scouting report: Younger brother of Olympic hurdler Melissa Gonzalez (wife of ex-Lions quarterback David Blough), is an athletic marvel with long arms, lower-body explosion and elite movement skills. Two-year starter at Colorado who followed his cornerbacks coach to Oregon last season and blossomed as a playmaker with the first four interceptions of his career. Gonzalez offers less as a run defender than Witherspoon, but has more upside because of his traits.) (4-25-23): https://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2023/04/25/detroit-lions-2023-nfl-draft-names-to-watch/11724593002/
2023 NFL Draft: Each team's most ideal pick in Round 1, including the Bucs replacing Tom Brady (18. Detroit Lions: Christian Gonzalez - Christian Gonzalez has tremendous size for the cornerback position at 6-foot-1, 197 pounds, a high-upside pick (4.38 40-yard dash and a 41.5-inch vertical) for what was a porous secondary in Detroit last season, allowing 245.8 passing yards per game, the third-most in the NFL. He would provide defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, a former NFL cornerback himself, with an explosive player to mold.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-draft-each-teams-most-ideal-pick-in-round-1-including-the-bucs-replacing-tom-brady/
Why the Detroit Lions should draft Christian Gonzalez (4-24-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/4/24/23694693/2023-nfl-draft-why-detroit-lions-should-select-christian-gonzalez-cornerback-oregon
2023 Lions Draft Primer (Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: On the opposite end of the spectrum to Witherspoon, Gonzalez has the size and speed that scouts drool over. Even with his height, he has loose hips that are difficult to find from such a big corner. His “flaws” are that he isn’t as aggressive as he could be and that he only put up one year of ball production.) (4-24-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/2023-lions-draft-primer
NFL draft CB preview: 2 could go top 10 for fourth straight year (Gonzalez, the younger brother of Olympic hurdler Melissa Gonzalez (wife of ex-Lions QB David Blough), is dripping with tools at 6 feet 1 and 197 pounds. He has length and speed, and silenced questions about his ball skills with four interceptions last season.) (4-23-23): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/04/23/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-cornerbacks-2023-rankings-devon-witherspoon/70143298007/
2023 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions 1st round wishlist (Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: I’ve been the leader of this train for a while. The best pure coverage corner in the draft is Gonzalez. He’s got an extremely fluid lower half and is always competitive at the catch point. If the Lions are looking for a number one cornerback from the draft, I think Gonzalez fits the criteria. There are times that Gonzalez gets knocked for not being a physical tackler or that he doesn’t fit what the Lions look for in a corner. I find that hard to believe as they’ve never taken a player at the position this high in the draft. That said, there are plenty of instances on tape where Gonzalez shows his ability to tackle and play physically. We’ll know in a few days if he’s a guy that the Lions are interested in taking.) (4-23-23): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/04/23/2023-nfl-draft-detroit-lions-1st-round-wishlist/
2023 NFL Draft: All-Pros, Pro Bowlers and overachievers in this class (PRO BOWLERS - These prospects are regarded as difference-makers based solely on their talent. They should make immediate contributions as rookies and rank among the top 10 at their position within two to three years. 7. Christian Gonzalez) (4-21-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-all-pros-pro-bowlers-and-overachievers-in-this-class
Burning Questions Facing Lions Ahead of 2023 NFL Draft (However, I'm not in Holmes' shoes, and I believe the organization will go in another direction with the pick because of the above reasons. As of April 20, my prediction is that the Lions will take either Oregon's Christian Gonzalez or Illinois' Devon Witherspoon with the pick, and will ultimately opt for the defensive back whom Holmes & Co. have rated higher on their draft board. In my opinion, that's Witherspoon. By taking Witherspoon, Detroit would not only be finding a high-level replacement for Jeff Okudah, but it'd also – and more importantly – be solidifying its defensive backs room as a strength. It'd be a terrific change of pace for a Lions secondary that has been abused by opposing passing games for far too long. Once again, Witherspoon wouldn't be my pick with the Lions' first selection of the 2023 draft. Yet, I wouldn't mind it, as I believe the Illinois product will be a solid NFL cornerback for years to come.) (4-20-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-burning-questions-ahead-of-2023-draft
Lions enter NFL Draft 'in great shape,' NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah says (Corner conundrum - By this point, most have taken a side in the debate of Witherspoon vs. Oregon corner Christian Gonzalez. Both would fill a personnel need for the Lions at No. 6, but drastically different measurables have made their comparison a widely debated topic in the pre-draft process. “With Witherspoon (6-feet, 181 pounds), you get a little bit more playmaking, a little bit more aggressive, a little bit more urgent,” Jeremiah said. “Whereas with Gonzalez (6-foot-1, 197 pounds), you obviously get the size and the speed that’s really elite, and he’s a real fluid, smooth athlete. Jeremiah — who made clear that both players are a “notch below” recent top picks Sauce Gardner (Detroit King, New York Jets) or Patrick Surtain II (Denver Broncos) — said he prefers Witherspoon, particularly for the Lions, but that it’s a “coin flip” as to which guy goes first. “Everything I’ve heard from Witherspoon is that it’s off the charts with the football intelligence, the work ethic, the passion, all that stuff is elite, elite, elite,” Jeremiah said.) (4-20-23): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/04/20/detroit-lions-enter-nfl-draft-in-great-shape-daniel-jeremiah-says/70134233007/
The 2023 NFL Draft Class' Best at Everything: The top performers in 100 PFF premium stats (Best DB by Route - Crossers/overs: Christian Gonzalez, Oregon. Gonzalez caught more balls on crossing routes than the receivers he covered, picking off one pass and not allowing any receptions.) (4-20-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-class-best-at-everything-100-premium-stats
2023 NFL Draft: Pro comparisons and analytical team fits for top cornerback prospects (Christian Gonzalez (PRO COMPARISON: Stephon Gilmore): It was challenging to come up with a Gonzalez comp for two main reasons ... First, the smooth 6-1, 197-pounder has markers for lots of upside in both man and zone coverages (usually one indexes markedly higher). Second, his center of gravity and change-of-direction speed grade out very well in computer vision, but those traits tend to point to certain player comps that would only tell part of Gonzalez's story. That said, Gilmore's computer-vision metrics are close to those of Gonzalez, and they've treated the similarly sized cover man pretty darned well: According to computer vision, Gilmore has ranked among the top seven CBs in four of the past five seasons when it comes to his percentage rates of stopping opponents from earning first downs and touchdowns. Gonzalez, who spent his first two seasons at Colorado, ranks second in the Pac-12 since 2020 with 22 forced incompletions. TEAM FIT: Washington Commanders. The Commanders ranked 28th in the NFL with just nine interceptions last season. Gonzalez had four on his own last year at Oregon. With how much talent Washington has on its defensive front, opposing quarterbacks are bound to be under duress. Consequently, a playmaking upgrade on the back end could go a long way toward increasing takeaways (and, inherently, wins).) (4-18-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-pro-comparisons-and-analytical-team-fits-for-top-cornerback-prosp
The 2023 All-Juice Team: Terez Paylor's legacy lives on with NFL Draft prospects he'd have loved (CB Christian Gonzalez: Gonzalez is as smooth as it gets from a man coverage standpoint. He needs to improve his tackling as he ingratiates himself into the NFL, but it’s difficult to find players his size who move with the grace and skill that Gonzalez does in coverage. Gonzalez has the upside to be a prolific cover corner from Day 1 in the NFL and would be a major asset for any team that needs a boost to its cornerbacks room.) (4-18-23): https://sports.yahoo.com/the-2023-all-juice-team-terez-paylors-legacy-lives-on-with-nfl-draft-prospects-hed-have-loved-140030559.html
2023 NFL Draft cornerback rankings: Christian Gonzalez the best of a talented group (1. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon, 6-1, 197, Junior - Overview: Gonzalez’s path to the first round of the NFL draft began in the talent-rich state of Texas, where then-Colorado head coach Mel Tucker convinced him to head north. Gonzalez remained committed to the Buffaloes when Tucker himself went further north to Michigan State, starting all 18 games of the 2020-21 seasons and earning Honorable Mention All-PAC-12 honors as a sophomore with 53 tackles, including 5.5 for loss and five passes broken up. When the defensive backs coach who worked with him in Colorado — Demetrice Martin — opted to take the same job under Dan Henning at Oregon, Gonzalez decided to follow his mentor this time, joining the Ducks for the 2022 season before giving up his final eligibility to enter the 2023 NFL draft. Gonzalez starred in his only season in Eugene, earning First Team All-PAC-12 honors with a career-high 11 passes broken up and four interceptions while also logging 50 tackles and blocking a field goal. Strengths: Gonzalez is a graceful, bounding athlete who actually plays to his timed measureables, springing out of his backpedal and effortlessly changing direction to shadow receivers in man coverage. He is among the smoothest athletes at any position in this class and Gonzalez is made even faster by his route anticipation, with some reps on tape where it looks like he is running the route in tandem with the receiver. Perhaps most exciting are the improved ballskills shown by Gonzalez this year, turning four of his 11 passes defensed this season — both career-highs — into interceptions. He showed vision and a playmaking mentality with the ball in his hand, averaging 29.5 yards after his interceptions. In a class full of rail-thin perimeter players, Gonzalez checks in with a solidly built frame with his 14 repetitions of 225 pounds an excellent mark for a player with 32" arms. Henning, who is used to elite athletes, raves about Gonzalez’s talent. Concerns: While perhaps imposing, Gonzalez isn’t a terribly physical player and he will need to show greater awareness and commitment in run support in the NFL. Further, while the improvements made as an interceptor in 2022 are encouraging, Gonzalez had previously struggled turning PBUs into turnovers, with just four in 20 opportunities over his college career. Bottom Line: Gonzalez deserves every bit of hype of a top-10 pick. He boasts an exceptional combination of size, athleticism and intangibles, ranking among the safest prospects in this class. Grade: Top 10) (4-18-23): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-draft-cornerback-rankings-christian-gonzalez-the-best-of-a-talented-group
Six can't-miss prospects! Which QB makes NGS cut? (T-2. Christian Gonzalez (Athleticism Score: 88, OVERALL DRAFT SCORE: 92, PRO BOWL PROBABILITY: 36%): In one of the most talent-rich cornerback classes in recent memory, Gonzalez stands out with the highest overall draft score (92) among his peers. With six cornerbacks ranked in Daniel Jeremiah's latest top 50 and 10 boasting NGS draft scores of at least 80 -- the most in any class since 2003 -- this Oregon cover man emerges as the most balanced prospect, according to the NGS draft model. As the only cornerback to achieve at least an 85 in both production and athleticism scores, Gonzalez's exceptional combination of size, speed, length and overall athletic pedigree makes him a compelling analytics-supported prospect in this year's draft. Gonzalez hails from a family with an impressive athletic legacy. His father, Hector, played basketball at UTEP before competing in the sport semiprofessionally in Colombia, while two of his older sisters earned All-America honors as track stars. At the 2023 NFL Combine, the youngest Gonzalez showcased his remarkable athleticism by recording an elite 4.38-second 40 and achieving a 41.5-inch vertical jump. These impressive feats, along with an 11-foot-1 broad jump, place him in the top fifth percentile of all cornerbacks invited to the combine since 2003. Gonzalez's optimal blend of size, speed and length equips him to effectively disrupt opposing receivers in press coverage at the next level. The former Colorado transfer-turned-Oregon star aligned in press coverage on 42 percent of his coverage snaps last season, according to PFF, nearly doubling the average rate for college cornerbacks (23%). With his unique skill set, proven performance and innate potential as a 20-year-old, Gonzalez has the potential to make a significant impact in the NFL.) (4-17-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-rb-bijan-robinson-qb-bryce-young-headline-next-gen-stats-six-can-
What They're Saying: Lions Should Target CB Christian Gonzalez (4-17-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/christian-gonzalez-popular-pick-for-lions
Top 10 CBs in the 2023 NFL Draft: Devon Witherspoon, Christian Gonzalez Fight for the Crown (1. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: Looking at his composite profile, Christian Gonzalez is a borderline-elite prospect. His tape down the stretch in 2022 was absolutely phenomenal, and he has an unmatched combination of physical and mental tools. At 6’1 3/8″ and around 200 pounds, with 32″ arms, 4.38 speed, and a 41.5″ vertical, Gonzalez has uncanny fluidity and agility in short ranges. He can contort at a moment’s notice to corral passes, and with his eyes and reactive athleticism, he’s always in position to make the play. Gonzalez has blue-chip upside and is trending up faster than anyone else.) (4-17-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-cbs-in-the-2023-nfl-draft/
2023 NFL Draft: Christian Gonzalez scouting report (4-15-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-christian-gonzalez-scouting-report/
2023 NFL Draft: Ideal top two picks for every team (Round 1: No. 6 overall -- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon, Round 1: No. 18 overall -- Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh): Trading Jeff Okudah to the Falcons put the Lions in the market for an athletic corner like Gonzalez. His athleticism (4.38 40, 41.5-inch vertical at 6-1, 197 pounds) is only surpassed by his excellent ball skills. Kancey lacks size (6-1, 281 pounds) and length (30 5/8-inch arms) but is effective attacking gaps and uses his quickness to win inside. His ability to beat tackles with effort and leverage outside may also earn points with Lions' coaches and scouts.) (4-13-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-ideal-top-two-picks-for-every-team
2023 NFL Draft Rankings: Sam Monson’s top 20 cornerbacks, including Joey Porter Jr. at No. 2 (FIRST-ROUND TALENT 6 6. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: Gonzalez has incredibly slick movement skills and an athletic profile that will have NFL teams drooling, but it hasn’t translated to on-field production to the same degree as other players in this class. The lowest passer rating he allowed in a single season in college was 74.7 this past season, and that was the result of an outlier year in interceptions. He is visibly a step behind Witherspoon during plays in terms of reading what’s unfolding and has a lot more work to do to tap into his elite potential than most analysts articulate.) (4-13-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-cornerback-rankings-sam-monson-devon-witherspoon-joey-porter-jr
2023 NFL Draft: Trevor Sikkema's top 5 players at each defensive position (2. Christian Gonzalez: Christian Gonzalez won’t be far behind Witherspoon on my big board. He is more than 6 feet tall, almost 200 pounds and as smooth of an athlete as you’ll find for a player that big. He’s a scheme-versatile outside cornerback who is destined for the top half of the first round.) (4-13-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-five-players-defense-2023-nfl-draft-sikkema
2023 NFL Draft: Which cornerback should the Lions take with the sixth overall pick? (3. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon - Why he fits: Gonzalez has the best pure ball skills in this class, and if the Lions want to focus on that as opposed to his relative lack of aggression at the catch point… well, it’s generally tougher to get pure playmakers than it is to acquire route bullies.) (4-12-23): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-detroit-lions-cornerback-devon-witherspoon-christian-gonzalez/
2023 NFL draft: Louis Riddick's favorite prospects, sleepers (My Favorite Prospects (Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Big corners who have movement skills like Gonzalez don't come along often. At 6-foot-1 and 197 pounds, he has the fast feet and hands to be a very efficient press corner in the NFL. I love his pattern recognition, fluid hips and closing quickness. And Gonzalez has the ball skills to finish, breaking up seven passes and intercepting four last season. The icing on the cake? Gonzalez is also fearless as a tackler. Simply put, he is the total package and has a high ceiling as a pro.) (4-10-23): https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2023/story/_/id/36109804/2023-nfl-draft-louis-riddick-favorite-prospects-class-sleepers-watch-cj-stroud-jahmyr-gibbs-darnell-wright
2023 NFL Draft preview: 5 cornerbacks that could interest the Lions (1. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon (6-1, 197. 4.38 40.): Transferred to Oregon after two years at Colorado State. Started all six games in the 2020 Covid season and all 12 in 2021 before transferring. In 2021 he had five pass breakups and 3.5 tackles for loss. Played 12 games in 2022 at Oregon and intercepted four passes with 11 passes defended. Bottom line: Size and athleticism make him a candidate to be the first cornerback drafted.) (4-9-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-preview-5-cornerbacks-lions-gonzalez-witherspoon-porter
Who Will Be 1st CB Taken In 2023 NFL Draft? (THE CO-FAVORITE: CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ - Gonzalez had been the favorite throughout the pre-draft process, but Witherspoon has recently evened the odds. Gonzalez has the length necessary (32-inch arms) to combat prototypical X-type boundary receivers. Gonzalez pairs length with outstanding athleticism and overall size (6-foot-1, 197 pounds). Gonzalez is a man-cover corner through and through. Gonzalez utilizes length and a well-timed punch to stun receivers at the line of scrimmage. Gonzalez flashes the foot quickness necessary to match route combinations and stay within his opponent’s hip pocket throughout routes. Gonzalez’s oily hips allow him to flawlessly change direction and carry routes vertically with 4.38 (NFL Scouting Combine, verified) long speed. Franchises that covet size and length at the position could prefer Gonzalez over Witherspoon.) (4-7-23): https://thedraftnetwork.com/nfl-draft-2023-first-cb-drafted/
Ranking the Lions’ best options with the 6th overall draft pick (Tier 3 — Best of the other realistic options. CB Christian Gonzalez (Oregon), 6-foot-1, 197 pounds: Despite having Witherspoon higher, I still maintain my belief that Gonzalez is the best CB prospect in the draft. It’s truly a 1a and 1b situation and all about preference. Witherspoon has that “dog” mentality that the Lions will love, but they will also love Gonzalez’s silky smooth cover skills. From my 2023 NFL Draft cornerback rankings: Gonzalez has elite size and length and is as fluid as they come as a defensive back. He displays the ability to flip his hips and carry upfield without losing any speed and has impressive foot quickness and flexibility. He is extremely explosive out of his stance and when making a break on the ball, so it was no surprise to see him test well on the vertical and broad jump. Though he is at his best as a man-coverage corner, Gonzalez is scheme-transcendent. With his skillset, athleticism, and knowledge of the game. There is no team that wouldn’t welcome him in with open arms. How he fits: Could challenge for a starting job on the outside Day 1, but the Lions have the luxury of bringing on a rookie CB slowly. Eventual CB1 with All-Pro potential.) (4-3-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/4/3/23659870/2023-nfl-draft-rankings-detroit-lions-will-anderson-anthony-richardson-top-options-six-overall
2023 NFL Draft: The top 11 cornerbacks (2. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon (Height: 6′ 1⅜” (89th) Weight: 197 (68th), 40-Yard Dash: 4.38 (89th), 10-Yard Split: 1.54 (53rd), Bench Press: 14 reps (44th), Vertical Jump: 41½” (96th), Broad Jump: 133″ (95th), Wingspan: 76⅞” (70th), Arm Length: 32″ (70th), Hand Size: 9½” (76th)) - Bio: A four-star recruit out of The Colony High School in Texas, Gonzalez played his first two seasons of college ball for the Colorado Buffaloes, transferring to Oregon for the 2022 season when cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin moved from Colorado to the Ducks. Gonzalez started all five games of Colorado’s COVID-shortened 2020 season, and kept that status through his collegiate career until he opted out of Oregon’s 2022 Holiday Bowl game against North Carolina. Over three collegiate seasons, Gonzalez had no sacks or pressures, 115 tackles, 37 stops, and he allowed 89 catches on 155 targets for 1,054 yards, 473 yards after the catch, seven touchdowns, four interceptions, 14 pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 82.6. He played 1,524 snaps at outside cornerback, 204 in the slot, 176 in the box, 10 along the defensive line, and four at free safety. Stat to Know: Last season, Gonzalez lined up in the slot on 29% of his snaps, by far the highest rate for any cornerback in this class — TCU’s Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson ranked second at 28%. Strengths: Okay, here’s the REAL stat to know with Gonzalez — in 2022, against throws of 20 or more air yards, he allowed two catches on nine targets for 69 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. Metrics aren’t always the optimal indicator of performance, but if a cornerback has more interceptions than catches allowed on deep passes, that’s probably pretty good. Gonzalez’s tape backs that up in a couple of ways. Gonzales is also the best zone cornerback on this list from a statistical perspective — he gave up nine catches no 21 targets in zone last season for 107 yards, one touchdown, four interceptions, and five pass breakups. Because he’s so smooth and athletic through his transitions, he can make these kinds of deep dropbacks look far easier than they are. You don’t really get the sense that Gonzalez is physically overwhelmed at any time. And whether Gonzalez is in man or zone coverage, throwing any kind of ball to the boundary when he has position is just… well, you don’t want to do it. Weaknesses: I was surprised that the Ducks wanted Gonzalez in the slot as much as they did, because he just doesn’t seem as comfortable there. Richard Sherman once told me that the tough part of playing in the slot is that the boundary is no longer your friend, and that lack of “friendship” makes him look a bit lost at times when he’s playing inside. There’s been a bit of talk about Gonzalez’s lack of “killer instinct” — that if he worked more on affecting the receiver instead of just playing the ball, he could be even more dominant. I’m not trying to venture inside his head, but there are times when it’s clear on his tape. If he had Devon Witherspoon’s playing personality, he might be illegal. Conclusion: There are players at every position in the NFL who just make things look easier than they have any right to make them look. Christian Gonzalez has all the attributes to become one of those players sooner than later at the next level. If he manages to add a bit of grit to the reams of teach tape, there’s no telling how good he can be — especially if he’s aligned as an outside cornerback as much as possible. NFL Comparison: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. There’s a little Richard Sherman to Gonzalez’s game in that he defends every deep fade with a curiosity that any quarterback would try such a thing, but Gonzalez also has a smoothness to his game that’s just unusual for his size, and he doesn’t have Sherm’s obvious desire to physically embarrass his opponent. That puts me in mind of Rodgers-Cromartie, who at his best was just impossible for receivers to shake.) (4-1-23): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-cornerbacks-devon-witherspoon-christian-gonzalez/
Lions' 2023 NFL Draft First-Round Big Board (CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: Gonzalez is the best cornerback in the draft, plus he's a superb athlete. Detroit picked up a pair of cornerbacks in free agency, but questions about depth at the position could make Gonzalez a worthy addition.) (4-1-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2023-draft-first-round-big-board
Meet the Prospect: Christian Gonzalez (3-29-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/meet-the-prospect-christian-gonzalez
2023 NFL draft big board: Cornerbacks (2. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: Gonzalez blends outstanding speed and length with polished footwork and situational adaptability. He’s the safest bet in the class to be a very good starter but doesn’t have the swagger or physicality that some teams covet from outside CBs. Projection: Top 10 pick) (3-24-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-big-board-cornerbacks-positional-ranking/
2023 NFL Draft: Defensive back prospect superlatives (MOST VERSATILE: CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, OREGON - Gonzalez's versatility stems from his high-end, all-around, physical skill set. There’s truly no weakness to his game athletically. He’s a big, explosive defender with the hips of a smaller cornerback. That allows him to stick in any scheme or any role in the secondary and perform.) (3-24-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-defensive-back-prospect-superlatives-2023-nfl-draft
NFL Draft 2023: Fowler’s Top 10 CB Big Board (1. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: My CB1 for the 2023 NFL Draft, there isn’t a more fluid corner in the class. Gonzalez makes everything look easy on the outside. With the size, strength, speed, and length to boot, he has the potential to shut down his side of the field for a long time. He has rare traits that will make him a hassle to target even during the early parts of his career.) (3-20-23): https://thedraftnetwork.com/nfl-draft-2023-cb-big-board-fowler/
2023 NFL Draft rankings: The top-15 CBs in this year’s class (Tier 1 — In play at pick No. 6 overall. Christian Gonzalez (Oregon), 6-foot-1, 197 pounds: Although Witherspoon might be the best fit for Detroit, Gonzalez, to me, is the best overall cornerback prospect in this draft. At the NFL Combine, Gonzalez put on a show, running an official 4.38 40-yard dash and posting one the highest RAS score among all corners in this year’s class. Gonzalez has elite size and length and is as fluid as they come as a defensive back. He displays the ability to flip his hips and carry upfield without losing any speed and has impressive foot quickness and flexibility. He is extremely explosive out of his stance and when making a break on the ball, so it was no surprise to see him test well on the vertical and broad jump. Though he is at his best as a man-coverage corner, Gonzalez is scheme-transcendent. With his skillset, athleticism, and knowledge of the game. There is no team that wouldn’t welcome him in with open arms. Gonzalez doesn’t have the same violent nature as someone like Devon Witherspoon, but he is still plenty physical. I would like to see him do more in situations where he gets washed away from the play far too easily, and he could certainly clean up on his tackling technique and angles. How he fits: Dominant press-man corner that can start on the outside Day 1 and completely shut down one side of the field. All-Pro potential. Round grade: Top-10 pick) (3-18-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/18/23630400/2023-nfl-draft-rankings-top-15-cornerbacks-detroit-lions-devon-witherspoon-christian-gonzalez
Oregon pro day: 31 teams check out the Ducks prospects (The headliner for the Ducks draft class is CB Christian Gonzalez, but he opted to stand pat on his outstanding NFL Scouting Combine workout numbers. Gonzalez, a potential top-10 overall pick and strong contender to be the first defensive back selected in April’s draft, did participate in position drills. He looked good, as expected,) (3-14-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2023/03/14/oregon-ducks-pro-day-nfl-draft-christian-gonzalez-noah-sewell-chase-cota-update/
Oregon Pro Day 2023 News, Rumors: Christian Gonzalez Gaining Fans as CB1 (Christian Gonzalez, CB: The 2023 NFL Draft cornerback class is one of the most athletic groups we’ve seen in recent memory. And there’s a strong argument to make that Christian Gonzalez is the most athletic prospect of the entire bunch. Gonzalez still has to run agility drills, which he might do at Oregon’s Pro Day. But already, he has an unofficial Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.99. At 6’1 3/8″ and 197 pounds, with 32″ arms, Gonzalez has 4.38 speed, a 41.5″ vertical, and an 11’1″ broad jump. He’s a truly rare athlete with the size and mobility to dominate on Sundays.) (3-14-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/oregon-pro-day-2023-news-rumors-christian-gonzalez-gaining-fans-as-cb1/
TWENTYMAN: 6 pro days to watch this week (4. Oregon, Tues., March 14 - Who to watch: Cornerback Christian Gonzalez did everything he needed to at the Combine to be one of the top cornerbacks selected in the draft. This will be a good opportunity for linebacker Noah Sewell to prove to teams he can play in space and cover, and show off some of his movement skills as a bigger linebacker (6-1, 246).) (3-12-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/6-pro-days-to-watch-this-week-carter-murphy-smith
2023 NFL Draft: Every top-10 cornerback's highest-graded season (CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, OREGON (Big board rank: 10/CB2, Best PFF grade: 81.4 - 2022, 2022 Coverage grade: 81.4, 2022 Run-defense grade: 75.8)) (3-10-23): https://www.pff.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-every-top-10-cornerbacks-highest-graded-season
2023 NFL Draft: All-Defensive Scouting Combine Team (Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: Odds are Gonzalez was in the mix for being considered the top defensive back selected. His 4.38 forty at 6’1 and 197 pounds cements his status to stay amongst the elite of the draft. His combine performance can be the springboard to becoming a top-10 selection in late April in Kansas City. His length and size, combined with a 41.5” vertical (tied for second) and 11’1” broad jump (tied for fourth) in the defensive back groupings, place him in the top tier of elite prospects.) (3-7-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-all-defensive-scouting-combine-team
Lions' 2023 Draft Crushes (Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: The Oregon product is one of the top cornerback prospects for good reason. He has ideal size and length, measured at 6-foot-2, and has the coverage skills and range to play in Detroit’s man-to-man oriented defensive system. He was a takeaway artist with the Ducks, intercepting four passes last season. His athleticism is on par with the best prospects in the class, as he ranked first among corners with a 92 Next Gen Stats score, per NFL.com. His footwork is solid, and he’s agile enough to stay with the league’s faster receivers.) (3-7-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2023-draft-crushes
10 players who impressed at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine (8. CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: Gonzalez (6-1, 197) came to Indy to show off his athletic traits and smooth DB skills, and he did just that. His 40 (4.38), broad jump (11'1") and vertical (41.5) all matched the athleticism he shows on tape. He was smooth in drills and solidified himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the class.) (3-7-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-players-who-impressed-at-2023-nfl-scouting-combine-richardson-gonzalez-kancey
Biggest winners from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine (CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon - A transfer from Colorado who followed his position coach to Eugene, Gonzalez was one of the big-ticket items on this year’s DB slate, and he didn’t disappoint. After measuring in at 6-1 and just under 200 pounds, Gonzalez lit up the track with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, along with top-five finishes among corners in the broad jump and vertical jump. With Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon sitting out this year’s workouts, Gonzalez made the most of his chance to stake claim to the CB1 title with a stellar workout.) (3-7-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-draft-combine-winners-anthony-richardson-jaxon-smith-njigba-julius-brents-bijan-robinson/
2023 NFL Combine: Performance grades for the top 20 draft prospects (CB CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, OREGON (PFF Big Board Rank: 10, Grade: A): Gonzalez was vying for CB1 status in Indianapolis, and he may well have earned it. He showed up and measured in at 6-foot-1 and 197 pounds with 32-inch arms — all wins. Then, on the field, he recorded a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, a 41.5-inch vertical and an 11-foot-1 broad. He’s big, he’s fast and he’s got the tape.) (3-6-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-combine-grades-top-20-prospects
Winners and losers from NFL Combine (Winners - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: With Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon sidelined due to an injury, Gonzalez made the most of his opportunity to assert himself as the draft's top cornerback, and that could equate to a top-10 selection. Gonzalez ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds at 6-foot-1, 197 pounds. He jumped out of the gym with 41.5 inch vertical and an 11-feet-1-inch broad. ) (3-6-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers-anthony-richardson-darnell-washington-rise-bryce-young-sinks-by-sitting/
NFL combine winners, losers: Who helped their cause in draft? (Winners - 5. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: With Illinois' Devon Witherspoon not testing or working out due a hamstring issue, Gonzalez made a strong bid to be the first cornerback selected. The 6-1, 197-pounder looked like the total package at the position, easily changing direction and snagging passes. As expected, he was a top-tier tester with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, 41 ½-inch vertical leap and 11-1 broad jump.) (3-6-23): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2023/03/06/nfl-combine-winners-losers-anthony-richardson-nolan-smith-2023/11410657002/
2023 All-Combine Team, Defense: Edge Nolan Smith, CB Christian Gonzalez dazzle at Lucas Oil Stadium (Christian Gonzalez - Best team fits: Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals. Watching Gonzalez run through the many defensive back drills Friday was a real treat. He has the look of a future star at cornerback, excelling in every situation on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Gonzalez was polished, controlled, consistent and comfortable, completing each rep with apparent ease, as if he'd been doing these drills for a decade. His testing results were very good, too: 4.38 40, 41 1/2-inch vertical and 11-1 broad jump. I'll be hard-pressed to find a prospect in whom I have more confidence than Gonzalez, who boasts the top Next Gen Stats draft score (92) at his position. He was a standout on Friday, and as the tape shows, he's much more than just a workout warrior.) (3-6-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-all-combine-team-defense
NFL Combine takeaways by position: Anthony Richardson's speed, Bryce Young's size & more we learned about 2023 draft (Cornerbacks: Christian Gonzalez throws down, DJ Turner turns heads - Christian Gonzalez, the former Oregon star, is the No. 1 corner in the class and showed it with amazing pedigreed athleticism (4.38 in the 40, 41 1/2-inch vertical) to go along with great size (6-1, 197 pounds) and ballhawking skills.) (3-6-23): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-2023-takeaways-anthony-richardson-bryce-young/ptpjkejssvw6s1dt6ghwfag0
Who were the winners and losers of the 2023 NFL Combine? (Fast cornerbacks - Seven cornerbacks ran under 4.40 in the 40-yard dash, which was one fewer than the total at the 2022 NFL Combine. Those seven cornerbacks, however, all delivered. Gonzalez was expected to have a fast time. Gonzalez also was an all-around winner. ) (3-5-23): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-winners-losers-2023-draft/ufchjhev3s5swxnc9uv7zlfk
NFL Draft Combine Rumor Mill: 2023 NFL Draft Top 10 Lacks Consensus (Another player who was viewed as very likely to end up as top-10 choice was Northwestern offensive tackle Peter Skoronski. Including Carter and Skoronski, that leaves four spots, and a survey of team sources by WalterFootball.com returned was a variety of names as prospoectw who teams thought could occupy those remaining spots. They were: Texas running back Bijan Robinson, Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson, Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez, Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr., USC wide receiver Jordan Addison A number of team sources said that they did not believe either Gonzalez or Porter were top-10 talents, but both could rise during the workout portion of the draft process. There are four teams that could use cornerback help picking in the back half of the top 10, and corner is a premium position.) (3-5-23): https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/2023-NFL-Draft-Top-10-Lacks-Consensus
Roundtable: Were Campbell's QB Comments a Smokescreen? (1. Which players at the combine impressed you this weekend? Christian Booher: both Christian Gonzalez and Brian Branch were good on Friday.) (3-5-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/roundtable-examining-campbells-qb-comment
NFL Draft Combine Rumor Mill: Quan Martin, Christian Gonzalez Draw Rave Review (The 2023 NFL Draft is viewed as not having an elite talent at cornerback or safety, but containing some quality prospects and good depth that extends into the mid-rounds for secondary talent. After the defensive backs worked out at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine on Friday night, WalterFootball.com surveyed team sources about which players helped themselves. The two most-common names returned were Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez and Illinois safety Jartavius 'Quan' Martin. Gonzalez is not a surprise as a workout warrior and basically confirmed what teams expected. His excellent combination of size, speed, and fluid athleticism was seen on tape, so the combine served to validate the earlier evaluation. Even though Gonzalez has a great skill set, he has not been a lock as a top-10 prospect for the 2023 NFL Draft. Teams said they didn't like the lack of fight, competitiveness, and finesse they saw on tape.Team sources said they think the combine could help to push Gonzalez into the top 10 of the 2023 NFL Draft and Martin could be a riser on the second day of the 2023 NFL Draft.) (3-4-23): https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Quan-Martin,-Christian-Gonzalez-Draw-Rave-Reviews
2023 NFL Combine Stock Report - Defensive Backs (Up - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Christian Gonzalez may have cemented his place as the top cornerback in this draft class. Already possessing great collegiate tape, Gonzalez blazed a 4.38 40 despite measuring in at 6-1, 197. He also recorded explosive jumping numbers, with a 41.5-inch vertical and 11-1 broad figure.)(3-4-23): https://walterfootball.com/combine2023stockDB.php
NFL Draft Prospect 2023: Day 4 Winners Include Julius Brents, Deonte Banks (Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Christian Gonzalez doesn’t completely fulfill the requirements to be a winner — because he was already projected to be a potential top-ten pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. But if winning the Combine is what seals it for Gonzalez, then he’s done what he needed to do. To start the day, Gonzalez measured in at 6’1 3/8″ and 197 pounds, with 32″ arms. He then went on to accrue the highest RAS among cornerbacks, with a 4.38 40-yard dash, a 41.5″ vertical, and an 11’1″ broad jump. He’s the kind of athlete who makes it all look easy.) (3-4-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-prospect-2023-day-4-winners-include-julius-brents-deonte-banks/
2023 NFL Combine Risers: Christian Gonzalez, Deonte Banks, and Brian Branch Perform Well (Christian Gonzalez, CB | Oregon: Christian Gonzalez probably had the most complete workout of any cornerback on Friday. At 6’1″ and 197 pounds, he started the day by timing 4.38 seconds in the forty, then hit 41.5″ in the vertical jump and 11’1″ in the broad. He was smooth and looked incredibly athletic during position drills. Gonzalez was very quick moving in reverse, tracked the ball in the air, and showed receiver-like hands pulling passes out of the air. His ability to quickly transition from his backpedal to driving to the ball was very impressive.) (3-4-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-combine-risers-christian-gonzalez-deonte-banks-and-brian-branch-perform-well/
5 Takeaways from Day 2 of 2023 NFL Combine (Branch, Gonzalez establish themselves among secondary’s best - Brian Branch and Christian Gonzalez are widely projected to be two of the top prospects in this year’s draft. This, inevitably, created high expectations for their performance in Indianapolis. Both lived up to the hype during their on-field performances. Gonzalez and Branch both demonstrated the necessary athleticism and agility during drills, and Gonzalez was among the faster competitors with a 4.38 40-yard dash. Though Branch was near the bottom of the cornerbacks group with a 4.58 40-yard dash, he showed exceptional quickness while participating in the gauntlet drill. Already a physical player at Alabama, the finesse and instincts on display Friday will likely vault him into becoming a sure-fire first- round pick.) (3-4-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/day-two-takeaways-2023-combine
TWENTYMAN: Combine Day 4 observations (Showing out: Measuring 6-foot-1 and 197 pounds, Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez confirmed his rare athleticism with 4.38 seconds in the 40, a 41.5-inch vertical and an 11-foot-1 broad jump. He was smooth in drills and should hear his name come off the board somewhere in the first round of the NFL Draft next month.) (3-4-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-combine-day-4-observations-levis-gonzalez-torrence
2023 NFL Combine Winners Day 2: It's (another) bumper crop of cornerback talent (1. CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: Gonzalez burst into the first round conversation with a stellar season at Oregon after transferring over from Colorado. His draft stock had climbed steadily throughout the late stages of winter as scouts and analysts predicted a big Combine showing. The 6-foot-2 corner didn’t disappoint.via Kent Lee Platte/twitter.com/mathbomb. Gonzalez found a way to stand out among a sea of ridiculous athletes, showcasing the speed and strength to be an impact player in the NFL. He broke the 4.4 second barrier in the 40 and uncorked a vertical leap that stretched beyond 41 inches.) (3-3-23): https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-combine-winners-day-2-its-another-bumper-crop-of-cornerback-talent
Stock up/down from NFL Scouting Combine Day 2 (Stock up - Christian Gonzalez
Oregon · CB: Measuring 6-1 3/8, 197 pounds, Gonzalez confirmed his plus athleticism with a 4.38 40, a 41 1/2-inch vertical and 11-foot-1 broad jump. His length is average (32-inch arms), but his smooth movement during position drills separated him from the pack. Gonzalez snatched passes from the air, backpedaled efficiently and went through every drill without an issue. Aside from one stumble in transition and one early drop, everything just seemed easy for one of the top cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft.) (3-3-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-scouting-combine-stock-up-stock-down-day-2-oregon-s-christian-gonzalez-
NFL combine: Winners and losers from DB workouts (Winners - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: I'll just say it -- Gonzalez solidified himself as CB1 in this class with his showing in Indianapolis. What I mean by that is, most people and teams will have him as CB1, and he'll most likely be the first cornerback off the board. At 6-foot-1 and 197 pounds, the former Colorado-turned-Oregon star ran 4.38 with a 41.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-1 broad jump. He's drawn Patrick Surtain II comparisons from some analysts out there and tested a little better. ) (3-3-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-combine-2023-christian-gonzalez-deonte-banks-among-winners-and-losers-in-defensive-back-group/
NFL combine results for CB, S: Full list of measurables, 40-yard dash times and jumps for every prospect (Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez: Gonzalez is currently CBS Sports' No. 4 cornerback prospect, but he may end up rising to No. 1 and being the first player taken at his position by draft night. His measurements and combine results were impressive as expected, and he has a relative athletic score of 9.95 out of 10. Combine those with his ballhawking abilities this past season at Oregon, and he could go in the top 10.) (3-3-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-combine-results-for-cb-s-full-list-of-measurables-40-yard-dash-times-and-jumps-for-every-prospect/
NFL Combine results: 12 standouts from the cornerback group (Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon, 6-foot-1 1/2, 197. 4.38 (40) 41.4 inch (vertical jump) 11-foot-1 (broad jump). One of the big winners on Friday, he came in with top-10 expectations and he met those. Everything looked easy. Power steps, quick feet, fluid movement, explosion out of breaks, was powerful in his movements, high pointed the ball and showed natural hands. Gonzalez looked sharp regardless of the drill.) (3-3-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/3/23623425/2023-nfl-combine-results-12-standouts-cornerback-winners-losers
Christian Gonzalez sells teams on his skills at the NFL Scouting Combine (3-3-23): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/02/christian-gonzalez-2023-scouting-combine-interview-press-man-skills-film-study/
TWENTYMAN: Combine Day 3 observations (Top cornerbacks: Devon Witherspoon, Joey Porter Jr. and Christian Gonzalez are angling to be the top cornerback taken in the draft. Witherspoon isn't taking part in on-field drills. Gonzalez (6-1, 197) had 32-inch arms with a 41.5-inch vertical, 11'1'' broad jump and an unofficial 4.44-second 40.) (3-3-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-combine-day-3-observations-anderson-robinson-smith-njigba
What are Lions looking for in a cornerback prospect? (Oregon's Christian Gonzalez has the size (6-2, 201) and confidence teams are going to love. His tape is pretty good too. He has a smooth backpedal and loose hips, and recorded four interceptions and seven passes defended. "It's all confidence playing this position," Gonzalez said. "You are out there on an island by yourself and that's what I live for, big matchups. Anytime I get to go against a great receiver week in, week out that's my favorite thing to do. "Watching Sauce (Jets Defensive Rookie of the Year cornerback Sauce Gardner) and those rookies ... they are tall and long and kind of lengthy corners and I'm just like them.") (3-3-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/what-are-lions-looking-for-in-a-cornerback-prospect-gonzalez-porter-witherspoon
Who is Oregon DB Christian Gonzalez? Meet the latest star in an athletic family (3-2-23): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/christian-gonzalez-family-father-sisters-olympics/asvvheinlhlyzc5lwq5yrzrb
Christian Gonzalez sells teams on his skills at the NFL Scouting Combine (3-2-23): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/02/christian-gonzalez-2023-scouting-combine-interview-press-man-skills-film-study/
All-22 from the scouting combine: Defensive backs detail their favorite plays (Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: “There was a play against Stanford — I had done a lot of film study, and I knew that when [receiver Michael Wilson] put certain feet up, [he] would run a certain route. I noticed that he kind of flipped mid-route, and I went up and made the play.” This play came with 3:59 left in the second quarter of Oregon’s 45-27 win over Stanford last October 1. The Cardinal made a game of it after a 31-3 halftime deficit, but Gonzalez [No. 0] gave them no help on this play. Pre-snap, you can see Wilson switching from leading with his left foot to his right. That may have given Gonzalez the understanding that Wilson was going to fake him inside, and then run the fade outside. Which Gonzalez broke up using his sticky movement skills through the route. Why anyone would throw a boundary fade in Gonzalez’s direction is a mystery, but some people need practical advice.) (3-2-23): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-scouting-comvine-christian-gonzalez-clark-phillips-jammie-robinson/
Edholm: 17 candidates to run fastest combine 40 (Christian Gonzalez: Could Gonzalez be this year's Woolen? They each are longer than your typical sprint champ while possessing easy but tremendous speed. The 6-foot-2 Gonzalez ran a 21.6-second 200-meter in high school and seems to have gotten faster, hitting 23.3 mph last spring after arriving in Eugene. Fast runs in the family, too: Gonzalez has two sisters who have run track for the Colombian national team.) (3-1-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-scouting-combine-candidates-to-run-the-fastest-40-yard-dash
2023 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 25 Prospects Heading Into NFL Combine Include Jalen Carter, Brian Branch, and Bijan Robinson (6. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: The CB1 of our NFL Draft Big Board, Christian Gonzalez possesses all the attributes you look for in a lockdown NFL corner. He has the size, length, enticing athletic profile — in terms of both speed and fluidity, ball skills, and top-tier football intelligence to play outside in any scheme in the league.) (3-1-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-big-board-top-25-2023/
Cornerbacks for Lions to Watch at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine (Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: Gonzalez is believed to be the best player at his position in the draft class. He has the necessary length and frame to excel as a man or zone cover corner. There was a worry about his ability to create turnovers, after logging zero interceptions through his first two seasons at Colorado. He put those worries to bed after transferring to Oregon, though, as the result of securing four picks. He should test well given his athleticism, which could create more separation between him and the field at cornerback. On the heels of a strong 2022 campaign, Gonzalez could leap forward once again with a good showing in Indianapolis.) (2-28-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2023-combine-preview-cornerbacks
NFL Combine preview: 12 CBs the Lions should be watching (Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon, 6-foot-2, 200: Gonzalez's sister is Olympic hurdler Melissa Gonzalez—wife of former Lions QB David Blough—and elite athleticism must run in the family because Christian has an impressive skill set. Size, length, speed, fluidity, closing ability, and ball instincts are all in Gonzalez’s toolkit, which will make him a highly coveted corner. His only weakness is his run defense, as he is slow to react and needs to improve his tackling form. That won’t be an issue for some teams, but the Lions will likely want to figure out if that is correctable. If it is, he could be a top five option on their board.) (2-28-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/2/28/23615531/2023-nfl-combine-preview-12-cornerbacks-detroit-lions-watch
5 Questions We Need Answered At 2023 NFL Combine (Who is CB1? This class of cornerbacks is one of the best we’ve seen in a long time. Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez currently stands as the top cornerback on the latest TDN100 big board, but Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr. and Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon aren’t too far behind. Once the measurements (particularly arm length, wingspan, height, and weight) are in with testing numbers (40-yard dash time, vertical leap height, etc.) to follow, we’ll get a direct comparison of all of the top cornerbacks in the 2023 draft class. Once we see which of these guys is the lengthiest or fastest or most explosive, the race for the top cornerback spot in the class could and should become more clear.) (2-28-23): https://thedraftnetwork.com/nfl-combine-2023-questions/
NFL Draft: Defensive positional rankings pre-combine (3. CB Christian Gonzalez: Christian Gonzalez will certainly check the height, weight and speed boxes, and the same is true of Kelee Ringo. Will each look comfortable flipping their hips and running in coverage?) (2-27-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2023-jalen-carter-will-anderson-jr-atop-pre-combine-list-of-best-defensive-prospects-by-position/
2023 NFL combine: Cornerback soars to top of Lions’ wish list heading into draft (CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: At 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds, Gonzalez has the right mix of size, speed and physicality to vie for the first pick at the position. The Lions also demand their cornerbacks tackle well, and Gonzalez missed just three tackles on 61 attempts all last season. More than anything, what should really entice teams like Detroit is his ball skills. On 64 targets last season, Gonzalez picked off four passes and defended another seven. The Lions have been trying to add more ball skills to their secondary, a big reason they selected Joseph last year.) (2-27-23): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/02/2023-nfl-combine-cornerback-soars-to-top-of-lions-wish-list-heading-into-draft.html
2023 NFL Draft Wilson Top 25 Big Board: Bryce Young is No. 1; a top-four QB misses the cut (14. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Gonzalez, a Colorado transfer, had a banner season for the Ducks. He reminds us of Kaiir Elam, the Bills' first-round pick a year ago -- both are long, physical corners in coverage who need to improve in run support. But Gonzalez has the length and speed to compete for a starting job in training camp, and he could be one of five or six cornerbacks to hear their name called on Day 1.) (2-27-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-top-25-big-board-bryce-young-is-no-1-a-top-four-qb-misses-the-cut/
Top Storylines To Watch Ahead of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine Include Bryce Young, Medicals, and More (Who Will Run the Fastest 40-Yard Dash Time? Speed is always a major talking point when the NFL Combine rolls around. It used to just be about speed itself, but the function of speed in the modern NFL is becoming more and more important. Every organization should have GPS data to work with as well, but each year, we see that the 40-yard dash still carries weight. We probably won’t see the record broken this year, but there are quite a few burners set to sear the track with their cleats next week. Georgia’s Kelee Ringo and Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez are both well-documented size-speed freaks at the top of the board.) (2-27-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-storylines-to-watch-ahead-of-2023-nfl-scouting-combine/
NFL Combine 2023: Anthony Richardson, Jalin Hyatt among top show-stealing draft candidates (CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, CB, OREGON: Gonzalez played both safety and cornerback at the collegiate level, so he has the versatility that NFL scouts will love. He did both at an extremely high level, as well, as he was a 2022 All-Pac-12 first team selection. The 6-foot-2 Gonzalez tallied four interceptions and seven pass breakups in his lone season with the Ducks. He averaged almost 30 yards per return on his interceptions, which is evidence of his speed. Oregon’s coaches timed him running 23.3 MPH in the offseason.) (2-26-23): https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/NFL-Combine-2023-Anthony-Richardson-Jalin-Hyatt-among-top-show-stealing-draft-candidates-205364928/#205364928_4
2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Cornerback (2. CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, OREGON (BIG BOARD RANK: 10): Gonzalez is the total package physically. He's got all-pro tools but just needs a little refinement to get there.) (2-22-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-position-rankings-cornerback
What Are Christian Gonzalez’s 4 Best NFL Team Fits? (Detroit Lions: Things are on the up and up in Detroit and expectations have followed suit. Mike Hughes and Amani Oruwariye are both free agents, but even if they were under contract, it shouldn’t prohibit general manager Brad Holmes from taking an athlete like Gonzalez. A smooth, intelligent defender in the secondary, he and Jeff Okudah could evolve into the NFC North’s top corner tandem in short order. ): https://thedraftnetwork.com/christian-gonzalez-nfl-draft-lions-eagles-commanders-falcons/
2023 NFL Draft Stock - Pre-Combine (Up - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Team sources from around hte league feel that the 2023 NFL Draft lacks elite talent. There aren't any top-shelf prospects like the 2021 top-seven picks Ja'Marr Chase, Kyle Pitts and Penei Sewell. As a result, some prospects who would typically be thought as mid first-rounders will go in the top 10 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Gonzalez is a favorite to be one of those this year. He is the most well-rounded cornerback prospect with size, speed and athleticism. Gonzalez also can play any coverage technique. In speaking with team sources, some evaluators give Gonzalez an edge over Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon because of size and over Penn State's Joey Porter Jr. due to greater athleticism. Gonzalez could go as high as the middle of the top 10 during the 2023 NFL Draft.) (2-21-23): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_24.php
2023 Combine preview: Cornerback (2. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon, 6-2, 200: Gonzalez has a long frame and good size that allows him to play a physical brand of football at the line of scrimmage. He's got terrific ball skills (four interceptions this past season), and he's expected to run and test really well at the Combine. Will it be Witherspoon or Gonzalez who hears their name come off the board first?) (2-16-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2023-combine-preview-cornerback-witherspoon-gonzalez-porter
Bucky Brooks' top five 2023 NFL Draft prospects by position 1.0: Stroud, Young, Hooker top QB rankings (3. Christian Gonzalez: This corner crop features a series of instinctive cover men with ball skills and playmaking ability. Gonzalez is an aggressive ballhawk with a gambler's mentality. He has a knack for making plays on the ball, and his superb awareness could make him an impact player early in his pro career.) (2-16-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/bucky-brooks-top-five-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-by-position-1-0-stroud-young-hook
Top-25 prospect rankings feature QBs, elite defenders (13. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: The narrative suggests that Gonzalez burst onto the scene with Oregon but, in reality, his tape was that of a top-100 prospect a year ago at Colorado. Gonzalez has great size and speed to play the boundary in the NFL. The Texas native comes from an athletic family. His father played semi-professional basketball and his older sisters are track All-Americans at Texas and Miami. Gonzalez can do a better job of landing his jams in press man coverage and re-routing wide receivers. No cornerback prospect does a better job than Gonzalez at using the sideline as an extra defender.) (2-15-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-bryce-young-c-j-stroud-nipping-on-the-heels-of-elite-defenders-in-top-25-prospect-rankings/
2023 NFL draft film room: Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez (2-10-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-christian-gonzalez-oregon-highlights/
Is Christian Gonzalez Lions' Cornerback of Future? (2-7-22): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/christian-gonzalez-lions-scouting-report
2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 cornerback prospects (2. CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, OREGON (JUNIOR | 6-2, 201) (2022 PFF Grade: 81.2; Play Style: All-Around Outside CB; Initial Round Projection: 1st): Gonzalez is the kind of athlete who could have excelled no matter what sport he chose. He’s so smooth and graceful for a 6-foot-2, 201-pound corner that you almost forget just how big he is at times. His effortless ability to mirror wide receivers led to four interceptions and six pass breakups for the Ducks this past fall. I love his coverage versatility. He’s a tremendous tackler who could excel in a zone scheme where he’s asked to come up and make plays in the flats. He missed only three of 61 tackle attempts this past fall. He also has the size to be a press-man corner when asked — that’s the kind of skill set that’s going to go very high come April.) (1-20-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-ranking-the-top-10-cornerback-prospects
Lions Select DL Bresee, CB Gonzalez in Latest 2023 Mock Draft (Meanwhile, at No. 18, I have the Lions selecting Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Gonzalez has the ability to match up with and suffocate opposing teams’ No. 1 wide receivers. He also possesses solid foot quickness and change-of-direction ability, to go along with high-end long speed. The Ducks product finished with a career-best four interceptions in his final collegiate season. He also posted 11 passes defensed. Gonzalez has the necessary physical makeup and athleticism to grow into a lockdown cornerback at the next level. And, he would help stabilize a Detroit secondary that is in dire need of quality cover corners. According to NFL Draft Bible, Gonzalez is “an exceptional athlete that has all the movement skills and demeanor of a true shutdown corner.” Bresee and Gonzalez would plug some major holes for the Lions defensively, and aid the organization in accomplishing its goal of making the playoffs next season.) (1-17-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2023-mock-draft-dl-cb
Top 10 CBs in the 2023 NFL Draft: Devon Witherspoon, Clark Phillips III Easy to Bet On (1. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: Farther down the road in the draft process, when we’re all caught up, we may talk about Christian Gonzalez as a borderline-elite cornerback prospect. His tape down the stretch in 2022 was absolutely phenomenal, and he has an unmatched combination of physical and mental tools. At 6’2″, 200 pounds, Gonzalez has it all. He’s an elite size-speed threat with uncanny fluidity and agility in short ranges. He can contort at a moment’s notice to corral passes, and with his eyes and reaction quickness, he’s always in position to make the play. He has blue-chip upside and is trending up faster than anyone else.) (12-20-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-cbs-in-the-2023-nfl-draft/
2022 All-Pac-12 College Football Team and Individual Honors (First-Team All-Pac-12. Defense - CB: Christian Gonzalez, Oregon) (12-6-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/all-pac-12-college-football-team-and-individual-honors-2022/
CFN's College Football All-Americans 2022 (Second-Team Defense - CB: Christian Gonzalez, Oregon) (12-6-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfn-college-football-all-americans-2022/
NFL Draft News & Rumors: Christian Gonzalez, Tanner McKee, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Other Pac-12 Draft Prospects Futures (Christian Gonzalez Set To Leave Eugene - At Oregon, I’m told cornerback Christian Gonzalez will enter the draft. Sources I’ve spoken with tell me if it’s not 100% right now, then it’s 99.9% the Colorado transfer takes his game to the NFL. Gonzalez is reportedly using a financial planner to zero in on an agent. In his first season with the Ducks, Gonzalez totaled four interceptions and seven pass breakups. He shined brightest against his former team when he made two interceptions, including a near pick-six against Colorado.) (11-29-22):https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-news-rumors-pac-12-draft-prospects-entering-draft/
College Football Week 13 Live Reactions, Results, and Takeaways (Christian Gonzalez Making a Case for CB1: 5:30 p.m. — Few cornerbacks have helped their 2023 NFL Draft stock across the entirety of the 2022 season more than Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez. The 6’2″, 200-pound cover man notched his fourth interception of the year today against Oregon State, and it was one of his most impressive plays yet, from start to finish. The play began with a rollout to the right, accompanied by a drag route from the left side. Gonzalez, looming in zone, recognized this quickly and hawked over the drag route, but was forced to adapt when the WR suddenly turned upfield on the scramble drill. At that point, the QB threw after pump faking, but Gonzalez was able to undercut the pass and notch the pick with his high-level athleticism and ball skills. There are a few cornerbacks in the mix for the CB1 mantle, but perhaps Gonzalez needs more credence in the discussion. In a short span, he’s shown incredibly exciting development as a processor. He has excellent eyes and muscle response in space, and his playmaking ability is truly elite. IC) (11-26-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-13-live-reactions-results-and-takeaways/
2023 NFL Draft Stock - Week 11 (Up - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Team sources have been impressed with Gonzalez (6-2, 201), both with his 2021 tape and with how he is playing in 2022. The junior is a big corner who is fast, athletic, and is able to run the route to prevent separation. Entering 2022, Gonzalez did not have an interception, so NFL evaluators wanted to see him show more ball skills, and he has shown improvement this year. Gonzalez could be a riser who ends up as one of the top corners for the 2023 NFL Draft.) (11-15-22): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_11.php
2023 NFL Draft Prospects Watch Week 11: Rome Odunze vs. Christian Gonzalez a Clash of Elite Traits (Washington WR Rome Odunze vs. Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez - When scouring the Week 11 slate for matchups between young, ascending talents, few battles stand out more than Rome Odunze vs. Christian Gonzalez in the Pac-12. Gonzalez is an elite athlete at 6’2″, 200 pounds, with high-end speed, explosiveness, and fluidity. But on top of those tools, he’s also shown exceptional processing, zone awareness, and ball skills on his way to amassing three interceptions and seven pass deflections. Odunze is a great test for Gonzalez. He’s a size threat at 6’3″, 201 pounds, but he also has the smooth athleticism and efficient route running to pose a threat to Gonzalez’s sticky mobility. This is the kind of matchup that can create additional momentum for the winner.) (11-12-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-cfb-week-11-2022/
NFL Draft News and Rumors Mailbag: Talking Quentin Johnston, Bo Nix, and More (Q: It’s hard to overlook two performances from this past week: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon, and Mohamed Ibrahim, RB, Minnesota. What are their pro prospects? Christian Gonzalez is a player on the rise. And even last year when people were singing the praises of Mykael Wright, I said he was the better corner at Oregon. I have Gonzalez as a mid-round pick at the present time.) (11-11-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-news-and-rumors-mailbag-week-11-2022/
NFL scouts will have eyes on several sleepers in college football's Week 11 (We spotlighted Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez way back in Week 3. Since then, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Colorado transfer has emerged as arguably the elite cornerback on the West Coast this season, checking in with 10 passes defensed — including three interceptions — so far for a Ducks squad that has rattled off eight consecutive victories since its Week 1 thumping against Georgia. Long, strong and possessing legitimate ball skills, Gonzalez is on the fast track to an early-round selection, possibly a first-rounder. While the Ducks have a noteworthy history of producing quality safeties, the last cornerback selected in the first round out of Eugene came way back in 1996, when the New Orleans Saints took Alex Molden 11th overall. With all due respect to the reigning national champs, Gonzalez faces his stiffest test of the season to date against Washington’s Rome Odunze, who possesses impressive acceleration, body control and ball skills at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds.) (11-11-22): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/nfl-scouts-will-have-eyes-on-several-sleepers-in-college-footballs-week-11
Week 10 College Football Team of the Week: Tanner Mordecai Makes History for SMU (Cornerback: Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: Teaching tape for perfect in-phase coverage got a new example as Christian Gonzalez dominated his former team. Against Colorado, Gonzalez recorded two interceptions, both of which were extremely impressive. Flipping the script against the Buffs, Gonzalez perfectly stuck with his receiver on a go route down the sideline. He flipped his hips and maintained inside leverage against a quarterback who had clearly shown the inability to reach the deep portion of the field. Stepping in front of the pass at the catch point, Gonzalez yanked it away from the intended receiver with ease. On his next interception, Gonzalez broke off his zone and smoothly, seamlessly transitioned into ballhawk mode, beautifully getting in front of a late throw to the sideline. He has put his name on the map so far this season, and this performance was no different.) (11-6-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-team-of-the-week-week-10-2022/
Week 10 College Football Players of the Week: Christian Gonzalez Exacts Revenge on Colorado (Defensive Player of the Week: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon - Providing multiple teaching tapes for prospective defensive backs, Christian Gonzalez put on a clinic against his former team. Transferring from Colorado to Oregon this past offseason, Gonzalez ripped off two interceptions against the Buffs on Saturday. In the first interception, Gonzalez stayed perfectly in phase with his receiver, turning his hips just before the ball arrived, and snatched it away at the catch point. He returned it to the 2-yard line, setting up Oregon for a score. His second interception showcased an even rarer skill. In zone coverage, Gonzalez broke off his area when he saw the ball was launched, moving seamlessly from his zone to erasing a throw that was open at the launch. However, his speed and closing ability, coupled with his smooth transitions and instinctive ball skills, made this one of the more impressive interceptions of the year.) (11-6-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-players-of-the-week-week-10-2022/
College Football Week 10 Live Reactions, Results, and Takeaways (Gonzalez Converts on Traits (Again): 6 p.m. — We’re getting déjà vu here. Not long after getting his first pick, Gonzalez got his second, and it was even better than the first. Shading back in zone coverage, Gonzalez quickly recognized an out route in the intermediate range. As soon as he recognized the play, Gonzalez effortlessly transitioned out of his backpedal, exploded upfield, and swooped in front of the WR to make the play. He then nearly returned it for a score. Gonzalez came into the 2022 season with all the tools, and now, he’s delivered with proven production. Ahead of schedule, Gonzalez is one of the top CBs in the 2023 NFL Draft. IC. Christian Gonzalez Continues To Convert on Physical Gifts: 5:45 p.m. — Week 1 was a “Welcome to the big leagues” moment for Christian Gonzalez, who struggled in coverage and run support against Georgia. Since then, however, he’s seen major development and has become an early-round prospect before our eyes. Gonzalez had a pick and seven pass deflections heading into this week, and just notched his second pick of the season in enemy territory. Colorado attempted to test the boundary with a fade. But Gonzalez, in press-bail coverage, was able to get his head back around, press the WR to the sideline, and envelop the catch point with his length and athleticism at 6’2″, 200 pounds. Gonzalez continues to impress for the Ducks, and at his maximum, he can be a first-round pick. IC) (11-5-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-10-live-reactions-results-and-takeaways/
College Football Week 9 Live Reactions, Results, and Takeaways (Oregon Defensive Prospects Standing Out - And Christian Gonzalez is playing faster and with far more confidence than we saw from him earlier in the year. He’s been terrific in run support and is using his length and explosiveness to erase receivers in coverage. IC) (10-29-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-9-live-reactions-results-and-takeaways/
Lions 2023 draft watch: 7 players, including Oregon LB Noah Sewell (Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon - With length, speed, and athleticism, Gonzalez—if he declares—is going to be one of the top options at corner in this draft class. Versatility is key for Gonzalez, as he can play outside as well as in the slot, and has the size to match up with anything from shift slot receivers to tight ends. Lions fit: With as flexible and matchup friendly as Gonzalez is, he’s going to be scheme versatile and should start Day 1 on most rosters. He would almost certainly see the field immediately in Detroit. An excerpt from Nick Baumgardner in The Athletic’s draft profile of Gonzalez: “The 6-2, 200-pound Gonzalez is the full package with regard to his speed. He has explosion, length and the ability to mirror part of a route when his technique is on point. Everybody has a tough day against Georgia, and that was true for Gonzalez in the season opener. But he’s bounced back well in two games since and continues to turn heads in big spots.”) (10-22-22): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/10/22/23413878/detroit-lions-2023-draft-watch-7-players-including-oregon-lb-noah-sewell
Scouting Notebook Week 4: NFL rookies impressing more than their PFF grades suggest (FIRST-ROUND RISERS - I came out with my first mock draft of the 2022 season earlier this week. There were numerous players in the first-round mock draft who weren’t even in the PFF top 75 prior to the season. I wanted to dig a little deeper into each than the paragraph blurb allowed. CB CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, OREGON (JUNIOR) - The 6-foot-2, 201-pound cornerback has an ideal physical skill set for a position that is as physically demanding as any in the NFL. And through five games this season, he’s already finding the ball better than he ever did at Colorado before transferring. He has notched his first career interception and three other pass breakups after having only four pass breakups all last season. He’ll have no problem adjusting to bigger receivers in the NFL. Expect him to end up a first-rounder with top-10 potential.) (10-5-22): https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-scouting-notebook-week-4-rookies-impressing-pff-grades-2022
Roman Wilson vs. Riley Moss, other Week 5 matchups NFL scouts will be watching (The strong-armed McKee has the velocity and accuracy to take full advantage of the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Wilson’s prototypical size, underrated athleticism and flashy hand-eye coordination. Wilson showed the concentration and strong hands to pluck passes outside his frame. This makes him a fun matchup for Oregon’s toolsy cornerback Christian Gonzalez, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound transfer from Colorado who was beaten up a bit in the season-opening loss to Georgia, but since has rebounded, allowing just a 50% completion rate on the season overall. ) (9-29-22): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/roman-wilson-vs-riley-moss-other-week-5-matchups-nfl-scouts-will-be-watching
Scouting Notebook: Top 2023 NFL Draft prospects at every position and more (TOP CB: KELEE RINGO, GEORGIA (Challengers: Christian Gonzalez (Oregon), Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State)): Oregon corner Christian Gonzalez is hot on his heels after two pass-breakups and a pick the past two weeks. He’s allowed seven catches on 12 targets for 77 yards on 86 coverage snaps this season. He’s a long, toolsy cornerback who is starting to play to his physical attributes.) (9-22-22): https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-draft-scouting-notebook-top-2023-prospects
College Football Week 3 Live Reactions, Results, And Takeaways (Christian Gonzalez delivering on natural traits - 5:50 p.m.: The arrival of Christian Gonzalez — a transfer from Colorado — was a heavily anticipated one for the Oregon Ducks. The 6’2″ cornerback has an enticing combination of length and athleticism, and was quickly tabbed as one of the more explosive riser candidates in the 2023 NFL Draft. His ascent hasn’t yet taken hold — he had a rough outing against Georgia in Week 1 — but his performance against BYU could be a turning point. Gonzalez has played a hand in the Ducks holding BYU to just seven points through the third quarter. Just moments ago, on a crucial third and ten, Gonzalez was able to quickly trigger and break on a slant from the boundary. With his closing speed, he quickly smothered the receiver, and he was able to use his length to disrupt the catch process and force an incompletion. Gonzalez’s tools are visible, and he’s delivering with them today. IC) (9-17-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-3-live-reactions/
Scouting Notebook: Top 2023 NFL Draft prospects at every position and more (TOP CB: KELEE RINGO, GEORGIA. Challengers: Christian Gonzalez (Oregon), Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State). Ringo has been a touch shaky in the early going this season. He’s already allowed nine catches on 11 targets for 86 yards. While that’s still only slightly above 1.0 yard per coverage snap, having no ball production to go with it is far from the dominance we’d hoped to see from the Year 2 starter. Oregon corner Christian Gonzalez is hot on his heels after two pass-breakups and a pick the past two weeks. He’s allowed seven catches on 12 targets for 77 yards on 86 coverage snaps this season. He’s a long, toolsy cornerback who is starting to play to his physical attributes.) (9-22-22): https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-draft-scouting-notebook-top-2023-prospects
College Football Week 3 Live Reactions, Results, And Takeaways (Christian Gonzalez delivering on natural traits. 5:50 p.m.: The arrival of Christian Gonzalez — a transfer from Colorado — was a heavily anticipated one for the Oregon Ducks. The 6’2″ cornerback has an enticing combination of length and athleticism, and was quickly tabbed as one of the more explosive riser candidates in the 2023 NFL Draft. His ascent hasn’t yet taken hold — he had a rough outing against Georgia in Week 1 — but his performance against BYU could be a turning point. Gonzalez has played a hand in the Ducks holding BYU to just seven points through the third quarter. Just moments ago, on a crucial third and ten, Gonzalez was able to quickly trigger and break on a slant from the boundary. With his closing speed, he quickly smothered the receiver, and he was able to use his length to disrupt the catch process and force an incompletion. Gonzalez’s tools are visible, and he’s delivering with them today. IC) (9-17-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-3-live-reactions/
2023 NFL Draft Board: Top prospect battles to watch in Week 3 (BYU WR Puka Nacua (+) vs. Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez: This matchup hinges on Puka Nacua’s health. The BYU star was out for the team’s win over Baylor. While he’s not a lock for the game as of this writing, he’s trending closer and closer to playing. If he does, his battle with Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez will be a must-watch spectacle. Both prospects have size and athleticism on their side, but Nacua is the one who’s delivered more consistently on those traits. Nacua has eye-catching long-strider explosiveness at 6’2″, 205 pounds. If there was ever a CB who could blanket him with their raw traits, it’s Gonzalez. But Nacua’s catching instincts may prove superior.) (9-16-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-board-top-prospects-to-watch-in-week-3/
College football: Key matchups NFL scouts will watch in Week 3 (This is one of just two games in Week 3 pitting teams ranked in the AP Top 25, and scouts will need a spreadsheet to keep track of all the future NFL talent on the field. Should BYU’s flashy wide receiver Puka Nacua be able to return from the foot injury that kept him sidelined last week in the Cougars’ double-overtime home win over Baylor, his matchup against Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez might be worth the price of admission itself. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Nacua is every bit as physical as his size suggests, offering almost a Deebo Samuel-like tackle-breaking ability after the catch. He is also highly competitive and scraps for every blade of grass. Gonzalez also possesses prototypical size at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, and he is a smooth mover for that frame, changing directions fluidly and accelerating quickly to run with receivers downfield. He wasn’t as steady as an open-field tackler in the Week 1 blowout loss to Georgia, however, making this a potentially fascinating matchup. ) (9-15-22): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/college-football-nfl-scouts-wont-miss-these-week-3-matchups
Top 2023 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch In Week 1 Include Kayshon Boutte, Paris Johnson Jr. (Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: In what is one of the marquee matchups of Week 1, the clash between Oregon and Georgia is a kid in a sweet shop matchup if you’re looking at 2023 NFL Draft prospects. Despite both teams losing key contributors on either side of the ball, there will be so much talent on display. This list could have literally been players from this game alone. Jalen Carter and Kelee Ringo are the headline names from the Georgia Bulldogs, but it’s an Oregon cornerback who holds the most intrigue ahead of their Saturday afternoon clash in Atlanta. Christian Gonzalez is already beginning to earn first-round consideration in scouting circles. The 6’2″, 200-pound former Colorado cornerback is an athletic freak. According to “Feldman’s Freaks,” he hit 23.3 mph on the GPS this offseason and recorded a vertical jump of 42 inches while power-cleaning 325 pounds. For reference, the leading vertical jump at the 2022 NFL Combine was 42 inches by renowned athletic freak Tariq Woolen. Freak athleticism doesn’t always translate to the football field, but Gonzalez has the goods here, too. His size and length make him a physical and impactful proposition at the catch point. His athleticism allows him to go toe to toe with the top receivers in the nation while having the flexibility and fluidity to change direction and fly to the ball. Throw in some clear football instincts and Gonzalez has the makings of a star cornerback in the NFL.) (9-1-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-week-1-include-kayshon-boutte-paris-johnson-jr/
Ranking the best NFL Draft prospects in the Pac-12 (9. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Gonzalez has tremendous size for the position. The Colorado transfer was a state qualifier for the 200-meter dash in high school, so speed is hardly an issue. One issue with being a taller cornerback is sinking hips into a break and carrying a route across the horizon. He has yet to record his first collegiate interception, so that will be another box to check this season.) (8-13-22): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/ranking-the-pac-12s-best-nfl-draft-prospects-entering-2022-oregons-noah-sewell-headlines-diverse-list/
Best '23 Draft prospects to transfer in offseason (CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon: The Colorado transfer is impressive in stature at 6-foot-2. It has been an offseason of transition for new head coach Dan Lanning. In recent years, the Ducks have had an ample amount of secondary players go on to the NFL: safeties Jevon Holland and Brady Breeze, as well as cornerbacks Thomas Graham Jr. and Deommodore Lenoir. Gonzalez should have a good chance to carry on the rich program history. The Ducks lost cornerback DJ James to Auburn in the transfer portal as well. ) (8-2-22): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/best-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-to-transfer-this-offseason-jordan-addison-two-sec-running-backs-make-list/
Oregon’s 2023 NFL Draft prospects led by Noah Sewell, Justin Flowe (Christian Gonzalez and Dontae Manning, CB: Both of these players are technically listed as sophomores, but Christian Gonzalez (2019) and Dontae Manning (2020) committed three-plus years ago. Standing at 6’2″ and 200 pounds, Gonzalez owns impressive size and an unrelenting motor. He started every game since his redshirt freshman campaign in 2020, and he seems primed to be one of the next Oregon DBs drafted. Meanwhile, Dontae Manning received his first real-game action last year. He showed promise, though he was beaten multiple times in the Oregon State match. At 5’11” and 190 pounds, he plays corner differently than Gonzalez. But don’t get it twisted; the former five-star recruit plays with passion and is athletically gifted.) (June 29, 2022): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/oregons-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-led-by-noah-sewell-justin-flowe/
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