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Patriots' Star Christian Gonzalez Will ‘Take His Game to an Elite Level' in 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nelson Hubbell | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 12:10 PM ET

After putting together an impressive sophomore campaign, Christian Gonzalez could be primed to have another monster season with the New England Patriots.

The former No. 17 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft will be just 23 years old this month and will be joined by a consummate pro in the opposite cornerback position. Carlton Davis III is coming to New England from the Detroit Lions and was their best corner in 13 games last season before injury.

NFL.com Analyst Marc Ross believes the addition of Davis will help Gonzalez further establish himself as one of the NFL's best lockdown defensive backs.

"I'm prepared to watch Gonzalez, who's been showing off his skills this summer, take his game to an elite level this fall," Ross said.

Gonzalez played in just four games his rookie year, but bounced back in 2024, earning Second Team All-Pro honors.

"Gonzalez proved why he was a first-round pick by routinely shutting down his side of the gridiron in 2024," Ross said. "Gonzalez allowed only one reception for 58 yards on 13 deep targets (20-plus air yards) last season, per Next Gen Stats."

Ross noted that the addition of Davis III will take some of the burden off of Gonzalez, who was often tasked with facing the opposing team's best wideout last year. But there are also multiple other additions that can make it easier on the young star.

Dominant defensive lineman Milton Williams, quality edge rusher Harold Landry III, and a now-healthy Christian Barmore on the defensive line should all improve the Patriots' pass rush.

Ross believes those reinforcements, among others, that New England has added at each tier of the defense will be a catalyst for an even better third season for Gonzalez.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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