Jonathan Jones and Christian Gonzalez should anchor the Pats' backfield for 2023, but as with any young defensive duo, there will be challenges ahead.
The New England Patriots' 2023 first-round draft selection was met with cheers and whoops as a formerly projected top-five pick fell to the Pats at No. 17 overall.
When cornerback Christian Gonzalez arrived in New England, many dubbed him a sneaky steal and see his unbridled potential to become the franchise's most reliable and athletic corner since Stephon Gilmore.
What do current New England players have to say about the pick? Only good things, though fellow corner Jonathan Jones' words contain just a touch of self-deprecation.
Jones reportedly told the Boston Herald that the Patriots "needed" the help.
"We needed it. We need help. We need all the help that we can get. We've had a lot of transition at that position over the last few years."
While that may be true, saying that the Pats "need all the help they can get" is not exactly a gung-ho manifesto heading into the 2023 season.
Patriots' Jonathan Jones excited to get some help at cornerback
Gonzalez, a former Oregon Duck, has the physical measurables and ball skills to match up against teams' No. 1 wide receivers on the outside, something Jones was usually tasked with in 2022.
The Patriots defense was ranked as one of the top-performing units last season, a more impressive feat when taking into account the virtually lifeless offense. Any defense with Bill Belichick's fingerprints is bound to find some consistent success, but adding a young and promising ballhawk like Gonzalez was a smart and necessary move this offseason.
In 2023, the AFC East promises to be perhaps the most competitive division in the league with the likes of Jets' Aaron Rodgers, Bills' Josh Allen, and Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa tearing defenses apart.
Jones had his plate full trying to man-mark Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill; now, finally, he'll get immediate starting-caliber help.
Last year, rookies Jack Jones and Marcus Jones (yes, there are three "Jones" in the Pats' defense) shined here and there and nabbed two picks a piece, yet they don't carry nearly as much upside as Gonzalez does.
The rangy and durable outside corner will work with Jonathan Jones to seal the perimeter of New England's defensive backfield, and the Patriots can only hope and pray their offense can go toe-to-toe with their divisional rivals.
Securing key talent at needy positions is only the first part of the equation. The second — and harder — part is execution.
