Falcons 2023 NFL draft needs: Analyzing top CB prospect Christian Gonzalez
Selecting Christian Gonzalez in the 2023 NFL draft would be an excellent move by the rebuilding Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta need help in their secondary and Gonzalez is regarded as the top cornerback prospect in the draft.
Gonzalez is coming off a solid three-year collegiate career. He played his first two seasons for the Colorado Buffaloes, producing a total of 78 tackles and 10 pass deflections. He then transferred to Oregon for his final year.
Last season, Gonzalez had a breakout year for the Oregon Ducks, recording 50 tackles, four interceptions, and seven pass breakups in 12 games. In a huge 49-10 win against his former Colorado teammates, the Texas native came away with two interceptions, which he returned for a combined 77 yards.
Oregon's Christian Gonzalez with his second INT of the day
Ball hawk🔒
https://t.co/qBpdh9WWc5
He also made a career-high 10 tackles (seven solo) during a loss to Washington. Gonzalez was named first-team All-Pac-12 following the season.
He was impressive at the NFL Combine, recording a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, a 41.5" vertical, and an 11'1" broad jump.
He's expected to be the first Oregon cornerback selected in the first round of the NFL draft since Alex Molden (11th overall by the New Orleans Saints) in 1996.
Christian Gonzalez could help improve the Atlanta Falcons' secondary
Atlanta owns the eighth overall pick in the draft. They could trade up and draft a quarterback or select one if Kentucky's Will Levis or Florida's Anthony Richardson is still available at No. 8. However, the Falcons seem to be confident in Desmond Ridder, who the team drafted a year ago.
Improving the secondary should be the direction they go in. In 2022, the Falcons ranked 25th in passing yards allowed at 231.9 per game and tied for the sixth-fewest interceptions with only 10.
Drafting Christian Gonzalez could help improve the team's weak secondary. At 6-2, 200 pounds, he possesses the ideal frame and athleticism to become a shutdown NFL cornerback.
There are a bunch of elite wide receivers around the league like Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase. The Falcons need a cornerback that can lock up those types of wideouts, and Gonzalez has the potential to be that guy.
Falcons to sign safety Jessie Bates III to 4-year, $64M deal. (via @RapSheet) https://t.co/OyQ3NgB5lj
Teaming Gonzalez with the likes of Jessie Bates III—who the team signed this offseason—AJ Terrell and Casey Hayward will give Atlanta a much-improved defensive backfield going forward.