2023 mock NFL Draft: 49ers watch NFC get significantly stronger
Cornerback. Ducks . Christian Gonzalez. 16. player. 820.
2023 NFL Draft, Pick No. 16: Washington Commanders – Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon
The Washington Commanders need multiple upgrades at cornerback this offseason, as their pass defense was disastrous, and an early pick needs to be invested in an upgrade.
Christian Gonzalez transferred from Colorado to Oregon this season, and like Tyler Steen, the transfer has put him on the map as a potential first-round candidate. Gonzalez had four interceptions and seven passes broken up.
An excellent corner in man coverage, Gonzalez has the size (6-foot-2, 201 pounds) to cover bigger receivers but also the speed and twitchiness to run with more agile ones.
The ability to play on both receivers is a rare trait for a corner, and teams are always looking for potential shutdown corners to erase one-half of the field.
So, why isn’t Gonzalez touted as a higher pick?
There have been moments on tape that stand out for the wrong reasons. He’s given up touchdowns he shouldn’t against lesser teams like Arizona and Washington in the PAC-12 and sometimes doesn’t seem like he’s up for the fight. The lack of consistency is a bit concerning for scouts, who want to see Gonzalez step up with a bit more heart.
That being said, the upside is too good to ignore, and Gonzalez should go in the top 20 come draft day, and good testing could even see him be a top-10 candidate.