The New England Patriots wasted no time sending in their first-round selection for cornerback Christian Gonzalez back in April. For many, it was a surprise the Oregon product made it out of the top 10, let along slide all the way to pick No. 17.
A lack of physicality was the main reason many pointed to as to why the soft-spoken Gonzalez took a small slide down draft boards. In New England, however, they saw the willingness to get his hands dirty — as he showed on the practice fields Thursday.
As wide receiver Raleigh Webb hauled in a short reception in the flat, Gonzalez fired down hill to record a strong tackle for loss in what was perhaps the most physical play of camp to date.