Executives, coaches, and scouts give Patriots' Christian Gonzalez an honorable mention on list of top 10 CB in the NFL
Despite suffering a season ending injury in his rookie season, Christian Gonzalez still managed to impress, catching the attention of many important people across the league. 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 […]
Despite suffering a season ending injury in his rookie season, Christian Gonzalez still managed to impress, catching the attention of many important people across the league.
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.
In the four games prior to his injury, Gonzalez already had 17 total tackles, one sack, and one interception. However, he suffered a torn labrum in the Patriots' loss to the Dallas Cowboys along with a dislocated surgery. It required surgery, forcing him to have to sit out for the remainder of the year.
Thursday's list concluded ESPN's series, so here are all the Patriots players that earned mentions.
S Kyle Dugger (ranked)
Dugger was the only Patriots player to earn a spot in any of the top 10 lists.
He has been a key defensive player for the New England Patriots since being selected by the team in the 2020 NFL Draft. And the team rewarded him this offseason with a big-time contract extension.
The executives, coaches, and scouts have Dugger ranked at No. 8 overall. He was ranked as high as No. 1 by some, while also being unranked by others. Last year, he received an honorable mention.
"He's always been physical and a smart football player, but he's become more of a complete player every year," an NFL personnel executive told ESPN. "He will physically strike you."
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CB Christian Gonzalez (honorable mention)
"I'd have him really high had he not gotten hurt [last season]. A stud," an AFC executive told ESPN.
DT Christian Barmore (honorable mention)
Christian Barmore was one of the key pieces on the New England Patriots defense last season. And due to his impressive showing, he was rewarded with a big contract extension.
But that's not all.
NFL executives, coaches, and scouts also noticed Barmore's strong season, giving him an honorable mention on ESPN's top 10 list for defensive tackles.
"A run-stopper with sack production and big upside. Can rush from the inside. Has some Chris Jones to him," an NFC scout told ESPN.
OL Mike Onwenu (honorable mention)
"Probably doesn't get the credit because he plays on a bad offense. A physical player with movement ability," an NFC executive told ESPN.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson (received votes)
LB Matthew Judon (received votes)
S Jabrill Peppers (received votes)
TE Hunter Henry (received votes)
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