Tag: Christian Gonzalez

Patriots take playmaking corner at No. 14 in Mel Kiper’s mock draft

Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft has the Patriots selecting a cornerback with their first-round pick.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper put out his latest mock draft on Tuesday, and he has the New England Patriots going defense in the first round.

Kiper has the Patriots taking Christian Gonzalez out of Oregon with the 14th overall pick.

This is certainly an intriguing pick, given that New England does need help in the secondary. They were able to bring back several players from the cornerback room last year, including Jonathan Jones and Myles Bryant. Gonzalez would be yet another piece in the room.

Gonzalez had 50 tackles and four interceptions for the Ducks last season. He transferred from Colorado after the 2021 season. His athleticism is a particular selling point, and New England could use another athletic corner. The Patriots have also been strong in developing at the position.

Drafting a player with raw talent like Gonzalez could continue that trend. This is what Kiper wrote when explaining his reasoning:

If the Patriots don’t trade down to acquire more capital, I see corner or wideout as the position to target here. On offense, new coordinator Bill O’Brien has to get quarterback Mac Jones turned around after a disastrous 2022. The additions of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesicki in free agency will help, but there’s room for another really good outside wideout. Cornerback, though, is a position of strength in this class and Gonzalez has a chance to go in the top 10. The 6-1 defender picked off four passes for the Ducks last season.

The Patriots have several holes they need to fill on the roster.

Corner may not be the position fans believe the team needs the most. Nevertheless, it is a need, and Gonzalez may be too good to pass up if he is still there at pick No. 14.

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2023 NFL Draft: Which cornerback should the Lions take with the sixth overall pick?

The Detroit Lions have completely redefined their secondary this year, but they still need a CB1. Which draftable cornerback is the best fit?

The Detroit Lions have done as much as possible to redefine their secondary in the 2023 offseason. This was a necessary construct. Last season, Detroit finished with a 9-8 record, just missing the playoffs right at the end of the regular season, and compiling the franchise’s first winning record since 2017.

The Lions and head coach Dan Campbell did so despite a defense that ranked 28th in Defensive DVOA, and a secondary that allowed opposing offenses to put up some pretty garish numbers. The Lions’ cornerbacks and safeties allowed 171 completions on 295 attempts for 2,657 yards, 17 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and an opponent passer rating of 95.8, which was the fourth-worst in the NFL behind only the Titans, Chiefs, and Panthers. Detroit’s EPA allowed of 28.18 among their secondary was also the NFL’s fourth-worst, behind the Raiders, Bears, and Falcons, and their Positive Play Rate allowed of 47.1% was the NFL’s sixth-worst.

In free agency, general manager Brad Holmes and his staff engineered three team-friendly deals with potential impact players on team-friendly deals.

  • Cornerback Cameron Sutton signed a three-year, $33 million contract with $22.5 million guaranteed;
  • Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley signed a one-year, $6 million deal with $2 million guaranteed; and
  • Safety/slot defender C.J. Gardner-Johnson signed a one-year, $8 million contract.

How the Detroit Lions restored the roar with their new secondary in free agency

Then, the trade of 2020 third-overall pick Jeff Okudah to the Atlanta Falcons for a 2023 fifth-round pick. Okudah had some good moments in his 2022 season to partially offset a career that had been marred too often by injuries and inconsistency, and there are times when a fresh start is the best thing.

How the Falcons can reclaim the NFL career of former Lions top pick Jeff Okudah

Now, the Lions have the sixth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft as part of the Matthew Stafford trade, and it becomes a virtual certainty that they’ll go for a top cornerback with that pick. Sutton and Moseley are both good players, but the Lions are telling you with the Okudah move that there’s still a need for a true franchise player at the position.

Based on what the Lions seem to prefer, and the traits of the top cornerbacks in the upcoming draft, here’s how I’d rank the possibilities.

Bears 2023 NFL draft preview: Where does Chicago stand at CB?

Up next in our Bears draft preview is cornerback, which features a pair of solid young players but could still be improved.

The Chicago Bears have had a busy offseason, working to improve the team following their historic 3-14 run during the 2022 season during general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus’ first year with the team. Now going into Year 2, Poles and Eberflus are working to get the Bears back to relevancy and build a foundation that will eventually lead to postseason success.

Following their free agency frenzy, the Bears are setting their sights towards the 2023 NFL draft, which is quickly approaching. After initially winding up with the No. 1 overall pick, the Bears moved down to No. 9 following a lucrative trade with the Carolina Panthers. They will look to shore up certain positions such as offensive tackle and defensive line that still have glaring holes.

Here at Bears Wire, we’re going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the NFL draft. Up next is cornerback, which appears set at two spots but could still use an upgrade in the draft.

4-Down Territory Live Mock Draft: Doug and Kyle pick the first round!

This week, Doug Farrar and Kyle Madson of “4-Down Territory” give you a live, first-round mock draft captured on video!

It’s Mock Draft Season everywhere, and that’s no different at 4-Down Territory HQ. Instead of their normal four-subject video, Doug Farrar and Kyle Madson break out of the format with their own first-round mock, all captured on video with the help of Pro Football Focus’ outstanding Mock Draft Simulator.

The rules for this live mock were pretty simple: Doug and Kyle alternated picks with Kyle taking the odd-numbered picks, and Doug taking the even-numbered ones. There weren’t any trades in this particular mock, but there was one major quarterback deal, with the Colts signing Lamar Jackson to a massive offer sheet, the Ravens refusing to match it, and Baltimore getting two first-round picks in the bargain, including Indy’s fourth-overall selection.

So, here’s the entire mock on video, and all the picks below, with Doug and Kyle explaining themselves!

4 prospects to watch if the Eagles trade up in the 2023 NFL Draft

We’re looking at four prospects the Philadelphia Eagles could have an interest in trading up for in the NFL Draft

The NFL draft is about making big moves, and Eagles GM Howie Roseman is the king of moving up and down the draft boards.

Philadelphia currently has six picks in the seven-round selection process.

The idea is that the defending NFC Champions would be better served trading down from No. 10 or No. 30 overall, accruing more assets over the three-day weekend.

The Eagles are in a Super Bowl window now, and with Jalen Hurts set to sign a considerable extension, Roseman could look to make a splashy move that helps reload a rebuilding defense.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that about six teams have contacted the Cardinals about trading up to No. 3 overall.

The thought process suggests that most of the moves would be made with landing one of the big four quarterbacks, but would Philadelphia be one of the teams looking to move up to land a dynamic defender?

The Eagles could package the No. 10 overall pick and the 2024 second-round pick acquired from the Saints to move up the necessary spots to land Will Anderson or Christian Gonzalez.

Cletis Cutts’ 2023 NFL mock draft

Cletis Cutts releases our 2023 NFL mock draft.

Cletis Cutts presents our latest NFL mock draft of 2023. Sound off on social media to let us know your thoughts, and be sure to check our 2023 NFL Draft Central page to keep track of all of the offerings.

2023 NFL Mock Draft

*Note: Miami forfeited its No. 21 overall selection for tampering.

Pick NFL team Pos Player School
1 Carolina Panthers (via CHI) QB C.J. Stroud Ohio State
2 Houston Texans QB Bryce Young Alabama
3 Arizona Cardinals EDGE Will Anderson Jr. Alabama
4 Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson Florida
5 Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) EDGE Tyree Wilson Texas Tech
6 Detroit Lions (via LAR) DT Jalen Carter Georgia
7 Las Vegas Raiders CB Christian Gonzalez Oregon
8 Atlanta Falcons EDGE Lukas Van Ness Iowa
9 Chicago Bears (via CAR) OT Paris Johnson Jr. Ohio State
10 Philadelphia Eagles (via NO) OT Broderick Jones Georgia
11 Tennessee Titans OT Peter Skoronski Northwestern
12 Houston Texans (via CLE) WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Ohio State
13 New York Jets OT Darnell Wright Tennessee
14 New England Patriots CB Devon Witherspoon Illinois
15 Green Bay Packers EDGE Nolan Smith Georgia
16 Washington Commanders QB Will Levis Kentucky
17 Pittsburgh Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. Penn State
18 Detroit Lions TE Michael Mayer Notre Dame
19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers OT Cody Mauch North Dakota State
20 Seattle Seahawks CB Emmanuel Forbes Mississippi State
21 Los Angeles Chargers DT Mazi Smith Michigan
22 Baltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers Boston College
23 Minnesota Vikings CB Deonte Banks Maryland
24 Jacksonville Jaguars OG O’Cyrus Torrence Florida
25 New York Giants WR Quentin Johnston TCU
26 Dallas Cowboys RB Bijan Robinson Texas
27 Buffalo Bills DT Bryan Bresee Clemson
28 Cincinnati Bengals CB Brian Branch Alabama
29 New Orleans Saints (from SF>MIA>DEN) DT Calijah Kancey Pittsburgh
30 Philadelphia Eagles EDGE BJ Ojulari LSU
31 Kansas City Chiefs EDGE Myles Murphy Clemson

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2023 NFL draft: 17 potential cornerback targets for the Seahawks

The deepest position group in the 2023 NFL draft class is supposed to be cornerback.

The deepest position group in the 2023 NFL draft class is supposed to be cornerback. Equipped with 10 picks and a great eye for DB talent, the Seahawks have a real chance to secure two excellent long-term starters on the boundaries if they can find the right one to pair with Tariq Woolen.

With that in mind, here are 17 potential cornerback targets for Seattle in the draft, including some of the top prospects and a few who they have held official meetings with.

Ranking the Commanders’ top 5 needs ahead of the 2023 NFL draft

What are Washington’s top five needs ahead of the draft?

The Washington Commanders will be on the clock at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL draft. There are multiple ways Washington can go with its first-round pick, but being in the middle of the first round, there’s a good chance what happens in front of the Commanders changes their thinking.

Ideally, Washington wants to select an offensive lineman or cornerback at No. 16. What if Peter Skoronski, Paris Johnson and Broderick Jones are all gone? There’s a good chance that Darnell Wright could be gone.

What if Christian Gonzalez, Devon Witherspoon and Joey Porter Jr. are gone? Do the Commanders take one player from the next group of corners, such as Deonte Banks or Emmanuel Forbes?

While the Commanders filled some holes in free agency, they didn’t bring in any high-level players. They improved, but how much?

We rank Washington’s top five needs heading into the 2023 NFL draft, which is just over two weeks away.

Commanders 2023 NFL draft prospect profile: Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez

Christian Gonzalez is arguably the top cornerback prospect in the draft.

The 2023 NFL draft is less than three weeks away, and we here at Commanders Wire will look to profile multiple 2023 prospects daily leading up to day one of the draft.

We will focus on prospects who could be available for Washington and who fit a position of need. Our prospect profiles will not be exclusive to projected first-round picks only but also players who will be selected on the second and third days of the NFL draft.

The Commanders are first on the clock at No. 16 overall.

Today, we learn about Oregon Ducks cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

15 NFL draft prospects who are perfect fits for the Eagles’ offensive scheme

We’re looking at 15 2023 NFL Draft prospects that perfectly fit Brian Johnson and Nick Sirianni’s offense with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The NFL draft is full of elite and dynamic offensive talent, but the biggest key to building the perfect roster is selecting players that fit an urgent need.

Brian Johnson was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator in a move that was expected after Steichen accepted the Colts’ head coaching job.

Sirianni hired Johnson in 2021 when he became the Eagles’ head coach. Johnson was the University of Florida’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Johnson began coaching in 2011 at Utah, where he was a star quarterback under Urban Meyer. Johnson rose and played a crucial role in Dak Prescott earning All-SEC honors at Mississippi State.

His most important job will be to ensure the NFL’s most dominant offense keeps its identity while taking the next step in efficiency and innovation.

We’re looking at ten prospects who’ll fit his scheme with the fast-approaching NFL draft just three weeks away.