The streak of Oregon Duck players being drafted in the first round has grown, with cornerback Christian Gonzalez being selected by the New England Patriots with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
After a strong 2022 season in Eugene, there was little doubt that Gonzalez would be a first-round draft pick and one of the first cornerbacks off the board. This is now the fourth year in a row that a Duck has been selected in the first round, with Kayvon Thibodeaux going to the New York Giants at No. 5 in 2022, Penei Sewell going to the Detroit Lions at No. 7 in 2021, and Justin Herbert going to the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 8 in 2020.
Gonzalez spent only a single season with the Ducks after transferring from the Colorado Buffaloes, but he left a mark during his time playing in the green and yellow. Gonzalez had 50 tackles and 4 INT in 12 games, racking up seven pass break-ups as well.
In New England, Gonzalez will have a chance to prove early on that he is a cornerback capable of playing at a high level in the NFL. After his impressive performance at the NFL Combine and his Pro Day in Eugene, there are expectations that the former Duck will be able to start from Day 1 and be an instant impact player.
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