The New England Patriots drafted cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. When he was first selected, analysts and experts praised the pick while some fans questioned it. There is never going to be a time where a draftee will get everyone on board with their arrival.

Gonzalez just finished his second season as a starter in the NFL and the Patriots finished with a 4-13 record, which fired their head coach Jerrod Mayo after just one year. With all of the turmoil and negativity surrounding the franchise, the 22-year-old defensive star quietly put together an All-Pro year despite not making the Pro Bowl or gaining any first-team recognition.

Here are Gonzalez’s statistics for 2024:

• 70 Targets
• 31 Catches
• Allowed 44% Completion Rate
• 376 Yards Allowed
• 23.5 Yards Per Game
• 2 Interceptions
• 7 Pass Break Ups
• 1 Fumble Recovery
• 1 Defensive Touchdown
• 978 Snaps Played

Just last week, ESPN Staff Writer Mike Reiss wrote an article titled: “How Patriots’ top coaching candidates differ in approach” where he analyzed the top coaching candidates and who will ultimately be the right fit for the franchise. Shortly after this was published, Mike Vrabel was named the team’s next head coach on Sunday morning.

Before Gonzalez left the locker room, Reiss questioned the soon-to-be third year player, asking him what his area of focus will be this offseason and how he can take his performance to an even higher level in 2025. “Getting the ball back more, he said. I feel like I left a couple plays out there, plays I know I could have made and caught the ball. Just getting the ball back in Drake’s hands, because everyone knows what he can do.”

A strong character trait is when an individual can praise another person rather than continue to talk about themselves. Gonzalez and his mention of getting the ball in quarterback Drake Maye’s hands due to what the young signal-caller can do, is good to hear. When you pair the statistics that Gonzalez had in his second year with his team-first approach, there is little doubt that he won’t do better in year three, paving the way for a first team All-Pro and Pro Bowl season.