With the seventeenth general choose within the 2023 NFL draft, the New England Patriots chosen Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
“I am simply someone that is extraordinarily reliable,” Gonzalez stated throughout a information convention. “Any person that is loyal and retains a reasonably tight circle. Simply actually all about ball and able to be taught.”
Gonzalez is the fourth Oregon defensive again ever to be taken within the first spherical, becoming a member of Alex Molden (No. 11, 1996), Mario Clark (No. 18, 1976) and Jim Smith (No. 12, 1968).
After two years at Colorado, Gonzalez transferred to Oregon in 2022 the place he began in all 12 common season video games, incomes an all-Pac-12 first-team choice. He led the Geese with 4 interceptions and accomplished 50 tackles.
Oregon defensive position coach Tony Tuioti informed reporters forward of the draft that he was excited for Gonzalez and different former Geese gamers who get an opportunity to get their names known as.
“He is an elite competitor,” Tuioti stated of Gonzalez. “Nice ball abilities. He can run just about with any broad receiver.”
Gonzalez is the fourth Duck in 4 straight years to be drafted within the first spherical. Quarterback Justin Herbert went sixth general to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020, offensive sort out Penei Sewell went seventh general to the Detroit Lions in 2021, and defensive finish Kayvon Thibodeaux went fifth general to the New York Giants in 2022.
Projected draft picks
A number of different former Oregon gamers are nonetheless ready to be taught their futures however had not been drafted as of press time on Friday. For updates, go to RegisterGuard.com.
- Noah Sewell — The linebacker is most definitely a day 2 choose because the draft strikes into the second and third rounds.
- DJ Johnson — The sting rusher has been projected as a day 3 choose.
- Alex Forsyth — The middle is projected to go within the sixth spherical or later.
- T.J. Bass — Began at offensive sort out for the Geese however initiatives as a guard within the NFL.
- Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu — Scouts love his wingspan, however the offensive sort out may additionally transfer inside as a professional.
Spring recreation: Oregon Geese spring soccer recreation will characteristic flyover
Potential undrafted free brokers
Security Bennett Williams; OL Ryan Stroll; WR Chase Cota; DL Jordan Riley; LS Karsten Battles.
Edith Noriega is a sports activities reporter for The Register-Guard. You could attain her at ENoriega@gannett.com and observe her on Twitter at @Noriega_Edith.
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