One of the most pleasant developments for Oregon Duck fans over the past couple of months has been the emergence of cornerback Christian Gonzalez when it comes to NFL draft circles.
Duck fans learned well over the past year that Gonzalez was a star in the making, and after the season came to an end, NFL draft experts have started to learn the same thing as well. Depending on which mock drafts you look at, Gonzalez can be found going as early as within the top 10 picks, usually around No. 7 or 8.
However, the latest mock draft from ESPN’s Matt Miller doesn’t seem to view Gonzalez in the same light. According to Miller, it will be the Pittsburgh Steelers who take the Oregon cornerback with the No. 17 pick in the draft.
The biggest need in Pittsburgh this offseason is along the offensive line, but with the top three tackles already off the board, the Steelers could pivot to the secondary. Gonzalez has a unique blend of traits and production. The 6-2, 200-pound cornerback is expected to test really well at the combine, with one area scout predicting times in the 4.3-second range in the 40-yard dash. But Gonzalez is more than “just” a high-level speed player; he had four interceptions and seven pass breakups in 2022 after transferring from Colorado. He’s a perfect match of need and value, and — spoiler — Pittsburgh could wait until Round 2 to address the O-line with a pair of picks.
We will see if Gonzalez ends up being on the board and even available for the Steelers to take with the 17th pick. Regardless of who takes him, though, it’s become pretty clear that the former Duck will be a first-round pick.
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