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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Danny Jaillet

Patriots rookie combo already earning fitting nickname

New England Patriots veterans have already given rookie first-round draft pick Christian Gonzalez and second-round draft pick Keion White a nickname heading into the 2023 season.

Both have clearly impressed during the preseason.

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White in particular has  excited fans with his ability to rush the passer. Gonzalez came as advertised in the preseason as well, shaking off first-game jitters to put together some solid performances.

Now, the two could factor into the New England defense in a big way. The quiet demeanor they possess on the field and their ability to make ‘loud’ football plays is noticeable.

Defensive end Deatrich Wise and the rest of their teammates recognize this, as transcribed by NESN.com’s Dakota Randall.

“Keion and Gonzo, they’re doing tremendous work,” Wise said. “I call them the ‘quiet assassins’ because they don’t say much but their play is very loud.”

New England’s 2023 draft class needs to be a successful one, as they look to keep pace with the rest of the AFC East. Gonzalez and White still have to prove things in the regular season, but the early returns have been positive.

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