Tyreek Hill praises Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez: ‘Next up top 3 easily’

"They’ve got some real good pieces over there in New England, man.”

Christian Gonzalez has been one of the bright spots on a 1-4 Patriots team this season.

After missing most of the 2023 season due to a shoulder injury, the 2023 first-round pick has already reasserted himself as one of the top young corners in the NFL today.

Sunday’s 15-10 loss to the Dolphins again saw Gonzalez hold his own against one of the top wideouts in the game in Tyreek Hill. Gonzalez recorded an interception, posted two pass breakups, and limited Hill to two receptions for 34 yards off of five targets in the Patriots’ loss.

Even though Gonzalez and New England were unable to come away with the victory, Hill gave Gonzalez his flowers later this week, shouting out the Patriots’ second-year pro on Snapchat.

“This young corner is next up top 3 easily,” Hill said of Gonzalez.

This is not the first time that Hill has given Gonzalez a shoutout after a one-on-one battle on the gridiron.

After Gonzalez held both Hill and fellow Miami wideout Jaylen Waddle to just three catches for 32 yards last September in the Dolphins’ 24-17 win, Hill gave the then-rookie a glowing review.

“I was able to go against the rookie. He’s real good,” Hill said during an episode of his “It Needed To Be Said” podcast. “Very lengthy corner. Had some real good technique and speed about him. They’ve got some real good pieces over there in New England, man.”

Hill is far from the only established NFL player who has given Gonzalez a shoutout despite his limited reps (nine games) at this stage of his pro career.

Even though Gonzalez only played four games during his rookie year, Eagles wideout A.J. Brown gave him plenty of props during training camp in August.

“He’s a great player, man,” Brown said. “I had picked him two years ago coming out as the best DB in the draft. He’s a great player. He gave me good work today.”

Gonzalez matched up against Brown during his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2023 season, with the Philadelphia star receiver finishing that game with seven catches for 79 yards and no touchdowns.

Speaking on “The Pat McAfee Show” last month, Jets QB Aaron Rodgers was also impressed with Gonzalez’s poise in New England’s Week 3 matchup at MetLife Stadium.

“I think he’s a great player,” Rodgers said of Gonzalez. “… I got to know him a little bit this offseason. He’s a great kid and he’s super, super talented. He’s an elite player… Christian is one of those guys who enjoys a challenge, he enjoys competition and will go from side to side.”

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.