Stefon Diggs knows talented cornerbacks. He’s faced ample over his 10-year NFL career, including several New England Patriots stars like Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson.
It’s early in his career, but Diggs knows second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez could be one of the best he faces all season.
“He’s very impressive,” the Houston Texans receiver said. “He got hurt last year. I was in Buffalo last year, so I watched him—great hips, a strong guy, too. Coming out, he was one of the top picks, obviously. He was impressive in college.
“I’ve been in the league a long time. I done seen a lot of corners, so he’s definitely a hell of an athlete.”
The 6-foot-1 defensive back has lived up to the billing as a first-round pick. Despite being limited to four games as a rookie, Gonzalez didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage and held quarterbacks to a 45.2 percent completion percentage.
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So far, Gonzalez hasn’t shown any signs of rust or decline through five games. He has one interception while holding opposing quarterbacks to a 65.2 passer rating and receivers.
Receivers are averaging just 8.3 yards per catch against him. He allowed one touchdown in coverage against three pass deflections.
“All the traits are off the charts with him, size, length, corner. Just seeing his instincts showing up, his ability to make plays on the football,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “You can see leading a lot of one-on-one matchups and he’s able to make plays in those situations.
“He’s doing a really good job for them.”
With Nico Collins on the injured reserve for four games, Diggs will likely draw Gonzalez in coverage. If not, Tank Dell will match up in what could be a long day for the second-year target.
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The Texans feel content about their receiving room this season, but most of the damage has come from Collins. Houston must turn to its depth in John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson, too.
Last week, Hutchinson caught three passes for 31 yards. Metchie’s caught one pass for a gain of seven through three games.
Gonzalez is going to create problems for Houston’s passing game. Diggs must step up, but someone else will have to take over as a constant No. 2.
“You can’t replace (Collins) but at the same time, we’ve got a room full of guys that are hungry, that want to go in, that want to get their ops,” offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said.
Kickoff from Gillette Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.