The New England Patriots are expected to be a mixed bag this year as they look to the future with a completely rebuilt team, a new coaching staff and plenty of young talent across the roster.
While the Pats haven’t been strong enough to win many games this year, they have several key players who need improvement this year, and the team reportedly believes one of their key players is ready to step up and establish himself as a star.
NBC Sports’ Albert Breer said the Pats believe second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez is “primed to have a really big year” after talking to several people within the organization, adding, “They’ve been challenging him in camp in a lot of different ways and trying to develop him as a No. 1 corner.”
.@AlbertBrier: Patriots think Christian Gonzalez is “ready to have a really big year” 👀 pic.twitter.com/uCZkQFXWbY
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) August 23, 2024
Brewer added that several people have told her that she has smooth movements and great athletic ability, making everything she does look easy.
Gonzalez impressed last season and won Rookie of the Year honors in September, but appeared in just four games before suffering a shoulder dislocation and torn collateral ligament that ended his season.
He recorded 17 tackles, a sack and an interception in those four games.
Drafted 17th overall in 2023, he is expected to be the team’s No. 1 corner from the start, spearheading a secondary that returns all four starters from last season.
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