It’s always tough to know how an NFL draft is going to go until names start coming off the board. That was the case for the New England Patriots on Thursday night after trading down to No. 17 and still coming away with Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
Leading up to the 2023 NFL draft, Gonzalez was perceived by many to be a top-10 pick. So it’s understandable why Patriots fans were a bit perturbed when it was initially announced that the team was trading down with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Yet, somehow, Gonzalez was still on the board when the Patriots came back up, and Belichick made the selection to solidify his defensive backfield.
Along with picking up Gonzalez, the Patriots also got another fourth-round pick from the Steelers. That’s quite the haul for Belichick and company in the first round.
Here’s what people were saying about the selection on Twitter.
New Patriots O-line coach Adrian Klemm got an up-close look at Christian Gonzalez last season as an Oregon assistant. Wasn't his position coach, but have to imagine Klemm gave NE a positive review.
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) April 28, 2023
I have absolutely no idea how Christian Gonzalez may it all the way to pick 17 but that is an absolute steal for the Patriots. Wow.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 28, 2023
The Patriots traded down to No. 17 and still got Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez, the 5th-ranked player on @dpbrugler's big board. Huge value.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) April 28, 2023
Oregon DB Christian Gonzalez is headed to New England at No. 17
Patriots just upgraded their secondary 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Z742VRrYRE
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 28, 2023
Christian Gonzalez has been taken by the #Patriots. This kid is smooth.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 28, 2023
Patriots get a steal in Christian Gonzalez. Would've been a logical trade-up candidate from No. 14. Get him at No. 17 instead. Home run. https://t.co/zVRVRS0W12
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) April 28, 2023
Christian Gonzalez and Jack Jones in the Patriots secondary.pic.twitter.com/BtcbIQjh55
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) April 28, 2023
One source on the #Patriots taking Christian Gonzalez: "Thought he'd go Top 10."
Dream pick for New England.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) April 28, 2023
Christian Gonzalez to the #Patriots at No. 17, well after he was projected to go. Perhaps we'll revisit this in the coming years wondering how he got to this point.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 28, 2023
Christian Gonzalez was as high as #3 in some mocks, good pick by @Patriots
— Jeff Hedberg (@jjhedberg) April 28, 2023
The #Patriots have their CB1 of the future.
Will Christian Gonzalez wear #0 in New England? pic.twitter.com/HDwdxf1Ztj
— Trev Reporteraport (@incredelman_11) April 28, 2023
LOVE the Patriots picking Christian Gonzalez! #NFLDraft
— AJ Retelle AKA The Angry Sports Fan (@ajretelle) April 28, 2023
Happy Patriots fan
Let's go Christian Gonzalez
👌💪👏— Christopher Leckey (@leckstack20) April 28, 2023
Great pick!
Didn’t think Christian Gonzalez would make it to 14, let alone 17.
Patriots fill a top 3 positional need. https://t.co/mB5quCLST1
— Spencer (@SpeaksSports) April 28, 2023
Christian Gonzalez to the Patriots makes my stomach hurt.
I hate when they get really good players.
— Chris P. Bacon (@MrHellaPlatonic) April 28, 2023
The Pats draft Christian Gonzalez!!!!!!! Yes!!! Thank you Lord!!!!!!!!! #DraftDay #Patriots
— Shawny O (@Shawnee360) April 28, 2023
If you’re a #Patriots fan moaning about tonight’s draft then you gotta have a talk with yourself. Unreal night. Christian Gonzalez at 17 and you got an additional 4th from it??? Unreal business.
— 𝐌𝐫. 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐠 (@MrGoldberg_) April 28, 2023
Cant believe Christian Gonzalez fell to 17
And too the Patriots— Christian Braun Fan (@jaxon_stpierre) April 28, 2023
As excited as I am that Atlanta drafted Bijan, I’m disgusted that Christian Gonzalez is going to the Patriots smh.
— C.A. (@AtlasPryme) April 28, 2023
Christian Gonzalez is gonna be the next #Patriots Hall of Famer.#ForeverNE
— Los (@NEPatriots6x) April 28, 2023
