Christian Gonzalez NFL Draft Dream Coming True

Oregon defensive back Christian Gonzalez runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

By STEVEN VAUGHAN, 750 THE GAME

The NFL draft is finally here.

NFL Network’s Mike Yam joined John Canzano on 750 The Game to discuss the draft, and had some positive things to say about Oregon Ducks cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

Gonzalez played one season in Eugene after transferring from Colorado, and Yam thinks the move to Oregon really elevated his draft stock.

“The idea and the move to go and transfer from Colorado and have the type of success he had at Oregon I think certainly was big time,” Yam told Canzano.

On the field you see the size and skills that really jump off the screen when talking about Gonzalez. “This is a guy who showed good ball skills,” Yam said, “I think athletically he’s probably the most gifted of a ridiculously talented group.”

Looking at mock drafts it seems like it’s down to Christian Gonzalez and Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon to be the first cornerback drafted, with Witherspoon being the slight favorite. Yam says it just depends on what kind of cornerback you want.

“I don’t think he’s (Gonzalez) is as physical as Devon Witherspoon is. So I think it’s your favorite flavor of ice cream,” Yam said. “If you have a defense that’s already got some leaders and you’re looking for a guy more on the coverage side, I think Gonzalez to me makes more sense.”

According to Draftkings, Gonzalez draft position over/under is set at 8.5. In a draft filled with unknowns, Gonzalez looks like a prospect who should go in the top 10.

Yam also gave his thoughts on Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, and whether or not the Seahawks should take the controversial star with their fifth overall selection.

“This comes down to one thing, and one thing only,” Yam said of Carter. “His production on the football field and what an NFL team thinks he can do, as far as him getting drafted.

“The stuff that’s happened off the field, I think for me, would be a concern. There’s some real potential maturity issues when it comes to Jalen Carter.”

Listen to the full interview with Mike Yam by clicking the podcast below. Listen to the Bald Faced Truth with John Canzano weekdays 3-6 p.m.exclusively in Portland on 750 The Game.