Pats DB says Christian Gonzalez reminds him of Stephon Gilmore

Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez has a way about him that reminds one of his teammates of Stephon Gilmore.

Jonathan Jones has been with the Patriots since 2016 and is one of the most experienced players on the defense. He and Gilmore were teammates in New England from 2017-2021.

Gonzalez showed flashes of what he was capable last season before a shoulder injury cut his rookie season short after four games. Jones said Gonzalez’s mix of a quiet personality and playmaking skills reminds him of the five-time Pro Bowl corner.

“Much of the same since he’s been here last year,” Jones said. “He comes in, doesn’t say much. He kind of reminds me of Gilmore in the sense that he doesn’t really say much but when they step onto the field they’re playmakers. So, it’s exciting to see him back coming off of an injury, I think it’s going to be good for him.”

Jones is not the first to make such a comparison. Last year, coach Bill Belichick said Gonzalez has a similar demeanor to Gilmore during an appearance on WEEI’s Greg Hill Show.

“One of the best things about Christian, especially at that position, is he’s very even-keeled,” Belichick said. “He’s not overly emotional one way another and he’s got a good, calm demeanor – a lot like Gilmore did.”

Gonzalez tallied 17 tackles, three pass deflections, a sack, and an interception during his injury-shortened season last year. He started all four games and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month in September.

Gonzalez told reporters in May that he is healthy and ready to go. With training camp starting this week, there’s an opportunity to see how he looks in his first team action in pads since the injury occurred in October.

As far as playing ability, Gilmore would be a lofty comparison for just about any player. He’s a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year with five Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl championship on his resume.

Gonzalez appeared to be off to a good start last year, and expectations are high for the 2023 first-round pick as he returns from his injury.