After failing to have a single player crack the NFL Top 100 list last year, the New England Patriots were back on the board Thursday with the news of cornerback Christian Gonzalez landing on the 2025 list.
NFL.com revealed that the All-Pro cornerback ranked at No. 84 among his peers in the league.
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Gonzalez only played in four games as a rookie, and he looked to be on the verge of breaking out before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury. In his first full season last year, the former Oregon standout and first-round draft pick finished with 59 tackles, 11 pass deflections, two interceptions and one fumble recovered for a touchdown.
“His smoothness and his ability to get downhill on breaks, it seems like even when he might not have a step, his closing speed is next level,” Baltimore Ravens All-Pro corner Marlon Humphrey said, when talking about Gonzalez.
An argument could be made that Gonzalez hasn’t gotten the recognition he deserves as an elite player, but make no mistake, other teams and players around the league are paying attention.
“You know, a lockdown corner for the Patriots, and a guy who’s a great player. So he has a bright future in this league, and I’m excited to watch that,” said Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride.
Gonzalez could have been higher on this list, but his inclusion was a great start. He has only played in one full NFL season, which means this is only the tip of the iceberg of his true potential.
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It’s likely only a matter of time before Gonzalez becomes a household name.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots defender makes NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2025