Heading into the third and final day of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Patriots draft has followed a few consistent themes.
High-end athletic defenders and interior offensive linemen:
Here’s how the draft board shook out for New England:
Round 1, Pick 17: CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
After trading down three slots to #17, the Patriots ended up with their likely preferred option at #14 anyway.
The 6′1″ Oregon product is immediately the largest cornerback New England has on their roster. Hernandez’s rare combination of length and athleticism should allow New England to better match up with the elite receivers of the AFC East like Tyreek Hills and Stefon Diggs.