Patriots
“I had picked him two years ago coming out as the best DB in the draft. He’s a great player.”
One of the most highly anticipated matchups of the Patriots’ joint practice with the Eagles was Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez against Eagles receiver AJ Brown.
Brown, a three-time Pro Bowler, is coming off of his second-straight 1,400 yard season.
Gonzalez flashed his potential during the four games he played before getting hurt last season. He was the NFL’s rookie of the month for September last season.
Brown offered some praise for the second-year cornerback after practice.
“He’s a great player, man,” Brown said. “I had picked him two years ago coming out as the best DB in the draft. He’s a great player. He gave me good work today.”
Gonzalez helped the Patriots hold Brown to 7 catches for 79 yards and no touchdowns during the season opener last year, which Philadelphia won 25-20.
Gonzalez had 17 tackles, an interception, and a sack before a torn labrum ended his season.
He was the third cornerback picked in his class behind Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon (5th overall) and Washington’s Emmanuel Forbes (16th overall). Witherspoon made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, while Forbes posted 38 tackles and an interception in 14 games.
Gonzalez has a lot to prove heading into his second season in the NFL. The 2023 first-round pick had a strong start, but time will tell if he can sustain that level of success.
Sign up for Patriots updates🏈
Get breaking news and analysis delivered to your inbox during football season.