The 2023 NFL draft is less than three weeks away, and we here at Commanders Wire will look to profile multiple 2023 prospects daily leading up to day one of the draft.
We will focus on prospects who could be available for Washington and who fit a position of need. Our prospect profiles will not be exclusive to projected first-round picks only but also players who will be selected on the second and third days of the NFL draft.
The Commanders are first on the clock at No. 16 overall.
Today, we learn about Oregon Ducks cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
The numbers
Size: 6-foot-1, 197 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.38 seconds
Arms: 32″
Hands: 9 1/2″
Vertical jump: 41.5″
Broad jump: 11’1″
10-yard split: 1.54
Scouting report
Christian Gonzalez has everything you are looking for in an NFL cornerback in 2023. He has size, length and speed. Most importantly, his tape at Oregon backs up his testing numbers, meaning Gonzalez will likely be gone before Washington picks at No. 16. Gonzalez could go as high as No. 6.
Here’s what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com said about Gonzalez:
Explosive outside cornerback possessing a rare blend of physical and athletic traits. Gonzalez plays with fluid hips and blazing top-end speed, which should help him match against top-end targets in the future. He can rough up the release or use mirror-and-match footwork from press-man coverage and he has all the tools to become a highly capable route shadow. His technique will get away from him at times and he doesn’t play with the level of instincts or ball skills that should make heavy ball production automatic. His testing numbers could send his draft stock skyrocketing, but the ingredients are already present to become a feared CB1 if he plays to his gifts.
College stats
2020: Gonzalez began his career at Colorado, where he appeared in six games, starting every one, recording 25 tackles and breaking up five passes.
2021: Gonzalez started all 12 games for the Buffaloes. He finished the season with 53 tackles, including 5.5 for loss and defended five passes. He was named PAC-12 honorable mention.
2022: Gonzalez transferred to Oregon ahead of his junior season, where he started 12 games before opting out of the bowl game. Gonzalez had 50 tackles, 11 passes defended, four interceptions and broke up seven passes. He had 118 return yards on those interceptions
Highlights
Fit with Commanders
Gonzalez is an immediate starter at outside cornerback for the Commanders opposite Benjamin St-Juste. Stalwart veteran Kendall Fuller would kick inside to play the slot. Fuller was an outstanding slot corner in his first stint with Washington. However, in his second stint, he’s been much better on the outside, but there is that history of knowing he can play inside.
Gonzalez would give the Commanders a pair of exciting young corners with size for the next several seasons, strengthening a unit that’s needed to add another high-level player for years. If he makes it to No.16 overall, it’s difficult seeing Washington pass on him. It’s doubtful he will make it, but there’s always a chance.
