INDIANAPOLIS — If the Patriots take a cornerback within the first spherical, don’t be stunned if that participant winds up being Christian Gonzalez.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Oregon defensive again has been linked to New England in a number of mock drafts, together with the most recent providing from NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah. Gonzalez is seen as one of many prime cornerbacks within the 2023 NFL Draft, with himself, Joey Porter Jr. and Devon Witherspoon jockeying for place atop the primary spherical.

Whereas talking with reporters Thursday on the 2023 NFL Scouting Mix, Gonzalez revealed that he’d already met with members of the Patriots. He stated he “loved” the assembly and in addition expressed pleasure on the thought of enjoying for Invoice Belichick.

“That’s a legend proper there,” Gonzalez stated of Belichick. “I’d like to play for him, for any group. Whoever goes to place their belief in me, I’ll put their belief again.”

Porter additionally met with the Patriots. Whether or not Witherspoon has remained unclear as of Thursday afternoon.

As a junior with the Geese, Gonzalez racked up 50 tackles, 4 interceptions and 7 cross breakups. New England arguably ought to add elite cornerback assist this offseason, and Gonzalez definitely would qualify.