Ask any Patriots fan for a Christian Gonzalez comp.
The names Law, Revis, and yes, even Sanders will immediately be part of the conversation.
Yes, the weight on New England’s second-year cornerback is staggering.
To be honest, Gonzalez’ pro resume consists of some pretty nasty Instagram workout videos from 2023 mini-camp, a promising summer slate of practices and three defended passes in three-and-a-half career games.
Perhaps by default, he’s the guy on the 2024 New England Patriots’ defense. He’s the playmaker of the present and the future rolled into one.
If Gonzalez is not what folks in these parts expect, it will be one final, cruel Bill Belichick shot at the franchise, the 2023 first-round pick gone awry.
New Englanders can’t afford to think that way. Gonzalez must deliver impact. The 17th-pick overall last year must wear the “shut-down” tag.
If he does live up to the hype, New England’s defense could be on its ways. Gonzalez is that crucial. Let’s take a look at the rest of the defensive backfield candidates as camp approaches next week.
Roster Locks
Kyle Dugger: Signed, sealed and delivered – he’s through with his rookie deal and now is expected to take an even larger role at the strong safety spot. Always strong vs. the run, the team paid him like a legit pass defender. Now, it’s time for Dugger to prove it.
Jabrill Peppers: Savvy veteran, a banger playing for a contract. As long as he is healthy, the Patriots will get their money’s worth out of Peppers.
Jonathan Jones: If the Patriots are intelligent, they will allow Jones to do what he does well, that is cover the slot. He’s probably on the back-9 by now – his body has taken a pounding – but a healthy Jones is a pro’s pro.
Brenden Schooler: Won’t see a lick of defense, but with the Matt Slater retirement, he should accept the role of leader in the kicking game.
Marcus Jones: Put up or shut-up time for the youngster, who has shown flashes but has yet to carve out a role. He may just not be big enough to play the position. New England needs him to be.
Alex Austin: Late-season pickup off the scrap heap played OK down the stretch in 2023. He got a thorough look in mini-camp. Expect that to continue in August into September.
Marco Wilson: Signed in January for one game, he too could be considered a youngster with his stock on the rise.
Marte Mapu: He showed out as a rookie last August, but it didn’t exactly translate to production for the third-round pick out of Sacramento State. Still, he’s got intriguing size and speed. Coach Jerod Mayo just needs to find him a position and situational snaps.
Fighting for a Spot
Marcellas Dial: Rookie sixth-round pick out of South Carolina certainly talks the talk.
Shaun Wade: He’s seemingly hung on the end of this roster for years now. Has only played 20 games with six starts in three pro seasons.
Azizi Hearn: A practice-squadder in 2023.
Mikey Victor: He’s the longest of longshots, a free-agent out of Alabama State.
Kaleb Ford-Dement: Small-college (Texas-San Marco) free agent is only 5-11, 178 pounds.
Joshuah Bledsoe: The Patriots need to settle in with a free safety. Could the third-year pro, who has played four games in two seasons, be the guy?
Jaylinn Hawkins: Journeyman safety at 26, has some experience, but if he can’t handle the free safety spot – does he have the speed? – might get caught in a logjam behind Dugger, Peppers, Mapu, et al.
Dell Pettus: Rookie free-agent safety who started 61 career college games at Troy.