BB does it again. Trades back to gain a 4th and get a top CB prospect that no one thought would fall to #17.
YEEEESSSS!!!
YEEEESSSS!!!
Gonzalez’s path to the first round of the NFL draft began in the talent-rich state of Texas, where then-Colorado head coach Mel Tucker convinced him to head north. Gonzalez remained committed to the Buffaloes when Tucker himself went further north to Michigan State, starting all 18 games of the 2020-21 seasons and earning Honorable Mention All-PAC-12 honors as a sophomore with 53 tackles, including 5.5 for loss and five passes broken up.
When the defensive backs coach who worked with him in Colorado — Demetrice Martin — opted to take the same job under Dan Henning at Oregon, Gonzalez decided to follow his mentor this time, joining the Ducks for the 2022 season before giving up his final eligibility to enter the 2023 NFL draft. Gonzalez starred in his only season in Eugene, earning First Team All-PAC-12 honors with a career-high 11 passes broken up and four interceptions while also logging 50 tackles and blocking a field goal.
Strengths: Gonzalez is a graceful, bounding athlete who actually plays to his timed measureables, springing out of his backpedal and effortlessly changing direction to shadow receivers in man coverage. He is among the smoothest athletes at any position in this class and Gonzalez is made even faster by his route anticipation, with some reps on tape where it looks like he is running the route in tandem with the receiver. Perhaps most exciting are the improved ballskills shown by Gonzalez this year, turning four of his 11 passes defensed this season — both career-highs — into interceptions. He showed vision and a playmaking mentality with the ball in his hand, averaging 29.5 yards after his interceptions. In a class full of rail-thin perimeter players, Gonzalez checks in with a solidly built frame with his 14 repetitions of 225 pounds an excellent mark for a player with 32" arms. Henning, who is used to elite athletes, raves about Gonzalez’s talent.
Concerns: While perhaps imposing, Gonzalez isn’t a terribly physical player and he will need to show greater awareness and commitment in run support in the NFL. Further, while the improvements made as an interceptor in 2022 are encouraging, Gonzalez had previously struggled turning PBUs into turnovers, with just four in 20 opportunities over his college career.
Bottom Line: Gonzalez deserves every bit of hype of a top-10 pick. He boasts an exceptional combination of size, athleticism and intangibles, ranking among the safest prospects in this class.
Lazar wanted Gonzalez but said he "would never fall to the Pats". That was at #15. What a steal.Something to be said for actually selecting a recognized name at a key position of need. LFG.
Oh shit Fitzie wanted him???FWIW, Fitzie on WEEI wanted the Pats to move up and grab Gonzalez at 10 or 11.
That's great info. Thanks @67YAZ!So Klemm clearly got to see Gonzalez for a full season, has some direct knowledge of the kid’s make up and work ethic.
Gonzalez was recruited and played at Colorado under DBs cos h Demetrice Martin. Martin had coached under some quality head coaches - Mora, Sarkasian, Mel Tucker, now Lanning. Three of those guys have also worked under Saban, so Gonzalez must have experienced some of that coaching style.
I'm a simple man.CB1, 7th overall on my board without positional adjustments. HOLY FUCKING SHIT.
I am so excited for camp now. The secondary is a real strength for this team.Bill and Jerod can do magical things with Gonzalez
View: https://twitter.com/ezlazar/status/1651784395152400384?s=46&t=IVL2VrlFgLlpc3mjGGto8Q
He looks like someone. Who is it, SoSH?
Uncanny. Wow.YES! It was that exact card I remembered, too.
SoSH wins again.
So why did he slip? I know I’m looking a gift horse in the mouth….Gonzalez was 7th overall on Arif Hasan's consensus big board. CB1. He was 7th overall and CB1 on Lance Zierlein's NFL big board. This is incredible guys.
I think the board largely fell right in terms of other teams’ priorities. Three QB, several OL, edge rushers, etc. And TWO RB in the top 15?So why did he slip? I know I’m looking a gift horse in the mouth….
I think it'll be famously 3QBs.I think the board largely fell right in terms of other teams’ priorities. Four QB, several OL, edge rushers, etc. And TWO RB in the top 15?
Throw on Seattle preferring Witherspoon, presumably because Pete wants the more physical player, and there you have it.
Colorado played the toughest schedule in CFB last year & plays in the same conference as Oregon who had the #34 schedule.When visiting the facility, Mike Tomlin inquired about why the breakout junior transferred to Oregon after beginning his career with Colorado. Gonzalez explained that he was simply following his position coach to his new school. Tomlin was hoping to hear him say something along the lines of facing better competition but was left underwhelmed by Gonzalez's answer.
I love this anecdote. Keep going for that fake toughness, Mike. Once you go on the field to trip an opposing player, maybe hush a bit on that competitiveness analysis.Of course, this seems like an lol Mike Tomlin thing...
Colorado played the toughest schedule in CFB last year & plays in the same conference as Oregon who had the #34 schedule.
http://powerrankingsguru.com/college-football/strength-of-schedule.php
Oregon had the defending national champs on their schedule. That’s probably what Tomlin was looking for in terms of playing against better competition in going to Oregon.Of course, this seems like an lol Mike Tomlin thing...
Colorado played the toughest schedule in CFB last year & plays in the same conference as Oregon who had the #34 schedule.
http://powerrankingsguru.com/college-football/strength-of-schedule.php
This whole process is so insanely stupid. At least these coaches and GMs aren't paid millions of dollars for these gem insights.Of course, this seems like an lol Mike Tomlin thing...
Colorado played the toughest schedule in CFB last year & plays in the same conference as Oregon who had the #34 schedule.
http://powerrankingsguru.com/college-football/strength-of-schedule.php
I have some real concerns about him. Originally when I wrote my superlatives article he was the twelfth guy. I revised it to eleven. (and then forgot to remove all the references to twelve perfect picks - thanks again Super Nomario!) I knocked him down to a 4.5. Why? Well he can have issues at the catch point. He needs to develop better route awareness and anticipation to be able to stay in-phase. He needs to trigger and react faster in zone. He can get grabby on in-breakers when he doesn't anticipate the break well enough. The catch point stuff was cleaned up somewhat as the season went on. TBH I am not sure why he fell. He shouldn't have. Maybe Detroit felt like he had some Okudah vibes?So why did he slip? I know I’m looking a gift horse in the mouth….
So Tomlin thinks he lacks competitive fire because he transferred to a top program for the wrong reason (to follow his position coach)? OkOf course, this seems like an lol Mike Tomlin thing...
Colorado played the toughest schedule in CFB last year & plays in the same conference as Oregon who had the #34 schedule.
http://powerrankingsguru.com/college-football/strength-of-schedule.php
Maybe someone just reminded him he doesn't have to change his name to Jones.Whew, I'm glad the SmileGate is over.