Keep an eye on CB Christian Gonzalez over at Oregon next season. Listed at 6’2, he’s another player in a really tall CB class overall.
Here he shows the hips and discipline to stay all over this double move. pic.twitter.com/T9kb95cZ2b— EJHolt_Draft (@EJunkie215) July 13, 2022
Games Watched: USC (2021), Oregon (2021)
Best Game: N/A
Worst Game: N/A
Man Coverage: Has experience lined up in press man, off man and cloud coverage. Shows good transitions for a taller player, listed at 6’2. Could be more forceful with his jam at the LOS. Has good stance at the snap, gets low pad level and gets burst from the hips
Zone Coverage: Experience playing in some split safety looks (Cover 2,Cover 4). Easy mover in space. Shows discipline with his eyes.
Reaction/Recovery: Shows recovery speed and quick twitch reactions that keep in in phase when movement is tested.
Long Speed: Track & Field background in high school. Has no problem staying on top of vertical routes.
Ball Skills: Struggled with bigger receivers at the catch point vs USC. Can mis time his jumps at times. Has good length. Development with playing through the hands with physicality would make him much more disruptive.
Run Support: Will trigger downhill when asked to be a force player. Not the biggest asset against the run at his current level of play strength.
COD Ability: Fluid mover in space. Is a tall player but has the hips to easily transition laterally and vertically.
Awareness: Reacts properly to pre snap shifts and motions. Communicates to his teammates. Doesn’t give up coverage indicators pre snap.
Tackling: Willing tackler. Not the most forceful player. Has to be more of a wrap up/ drag down tackler currently.
Physicality/Toughness: Would do well to increase his play strength. Adding a more physical aspect to his game will help in contested catch and tackling situations.
Summary: Christian Gonzalez is a physically gifted high upside defender. He has natural physical ability that allows him to be sticky in coverage. Can be a solid player with development of play strength, use of his length and ball skills.
Grade: 76/100
Report Author: E.J Holt ACC Area Scout for Blue Chip Scouting
Twitter: @EJHolt_Draft