When it comes to NFL draft steals, the New England Patriots may have perfected the art form.
First, it was seventh-round draft pick Tom Brady , who turned out to be a good quarterback. And while former Oregon Duck cornerback Christian Gonzalez can't be considered a steal as he was the 17th overall pick, there wasn't a lot of fanfare over the pick in the Boston area.
Perhaps there should have been.
In the NFL's list of Top 100 players that the league is publishing as the 2025 season approaches, Gonzalez comes in on that list at No. 84. After just two seasons as a Patriot, Gonzalez has quickly become one of the best defenders in the National Football League.
He played in just four games in 2023 due to a torn labrum, but Gonzalez made a splash in just that one month of action as he was the Rookie of the Month for September. Unfortunately, the Patriots would get to see just a sample of what he could do.
But in the next season, Gonzalez finished the year with 59 combined tackles (50 solo), 11 pass deflections, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and a touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts.
Entering his third season here in 2025, Gonzalez and the Patriots as a team are looking to build upon what they started last season. Having Mike Vrabel, a defensive-minded head coach such as Oregon's Dan Lanning, should help Gonzalez tremendously and propel his career even further.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Former Duck Christian Gonzalez is No. 84 in the NFL's Top 100 players
