Patriots teammate compares second-year CB Christian Gonzalez to a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year

When the New England Patriots drafted Christian Gonzalez with the first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, there were high hopes for the young cornerback.

And despite only playing in four games before suffering a season-ending injury, he made a huge impact. That has everyone excited for his second year in the league.

Gonzalez arrived back at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday with the rest of the veterans for the start of training camp. And along with the fans, his teammates are also ready to see what he can do.

Specifically, Jonathan Jones spoke about his growth and even compared him to a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

“(I’ve seen) much of the same since he’s been here last year. He comes in, doesn’t say much,” Jones said on Tuesday. “He kind of reminds me of (Stephon) Gilmore in the sense that he doesn’t really say much, but when they step out on the field, they become playmakers. It’s exciting to see him back, coming off an injury, I think it’s going to be good for him.”

The comparison is very telling, with Gilmore having been named to five Pro Bowls, and even won a Super Bowl with the Patriots in 2019. And that NFL Defensive Player of Year Award isn't too bad either.

In his only four games of his rookie season, Gonzalez had the challenge of having to cover A.J. Brown, Tyreek Hill, Garrett Wilson, and CeeDee Lamb. And when all was said and done, he finished with 17 tackles, one sack, and one interception.

And there is one part of camp that Jones thinks Gonzalez will truly show what he's capable of.

“(He’s) just coming out and working,” Jones said. “Once we get out in pads, that’s when he shows - especially for a guy like him, a physical corner and puts his hands on guys. Once we get out in pads, I think he’ll show.”

Executives, coaches, and scouts give Patriots' Christian Gonzalez an honorable mention

Every season prior to training camp, ESPN surveys league executives, coaches and scouts to rank the top 10 players at 11 positions. And on July 18, they released their final list, ranking the top cornerbacks.

While Gonzalez wasn't listed in the top 10, he did earn an honorable mention.

"I'd have him really high had he not gotten hurt [last season]. A stud," an AFC executive told ESPN.