2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Christian Gonzalez, CB, University of Oregon
Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez is seen as a potential first-round pick. We break down the skill set he brings to the table here.
Christian Gonzalez spent two seasons at Colorado before transferring to Oregon where he solidified his status as one of the top corners in this draft.
He looks likely to hear his name called very early on draft night in a few weeks. I break down the strengths and weaknesses in his game here.
Overview
Birthdate: 6/28/2002
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1 ⅜, 197 pounds
High School: The Colony HS (The Colony, TX)
Recruit (247): 2020 class 4 star No. 326 Natl No. 31 S
2022 Stats: 4 INT 6 PBU 12 Stops
2022 PFF: 83.3
2021 Stats: 0 INT 4 PBU 20 Stops
2021 PFF: 71.2
Strengths
- Size-Athleticism Combo
- Elite physical profile gives him sky-high upside.
- Simply don’t see many corners who can move the way he does at his size.
- This was showcased at combine: 6-foot-1 ⅜ (89th percentile for CBs), 197 pounds (68th percentile), 4.38 40 yard dash (89th percentile), 41.5” vertical (96th percentile), 11-foot-1 broad (95th percentile).
- Press Man Ability
- Ability to play press man is a very highly valued skillset in the NFL.
- Has the elite physical traits required to play press man against NFL receivers.
- Showcased this ability with his aggressive play style last season at Oregon.
- Fluidity
- The way he moves is that of a high level corner.
- Can immediately tell why he’s such a highly regarded prospect when watching his tape.
- Way he’s able to change directions is the best in this class.
- Covers in-breaking routes very well due to his aggressive play style and movement skills.
- Fluidity is a big reason why his coverage skills are so good.
Weaknesses
- Bit Unpolished
- Aggressive play style can get him into trouble at times.
- Lounging can cause him to allow receivers to get behind him.
- Elite athleticism allows him to get away with it in the Pac 12, but may not be able to at the NFL level.
- Played well for Oregon last season, but not quite as consistently dominant as you’d expect out of a potential top 10 pick.
Final Evaluation
Pos Rnk: CB2
Projection: Top 10 Pick
Gonzalez is one of the best prospects in this class. His change of direction and fluidity at his size is rare and gives him one of the highest ceilings of any prospects in this class.
