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ESPN's Todd McShay Updates NFL Mock Draft

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•04/04/23
On3 image
Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez lines up in his stance during a game on Nov. 12, 2022. (Tom Hauck / Getty Images)

With the NFL combine and Pro Day’s now in the rear view, we are less than a month away from the NFL draft. Which means the chatter is now at an all-time high.

Once again, Oregon finds itself with a potential first rounder on its hands. Last year Oregon sent pass-rush extraordinaire Kayvon Thibodeaux to the New York Giants as the No. 5 pick in the draft. In 2021, Oregon fans watched offensive tackle Penei Sewell selected by the Detroit Lions as the No. 7 pick in the draft. And of course, quarterback Justin Herbert started the run in 2020 as the No. 6 pick by the Chargers.

This year Oregon defensive back Christian Gonzalez is being billed as a top ten pick.

ESPN’s Todd McShay updated his mock draft Tuesday morning. And his list included Oregon’s superstar defensive back.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

I thought about Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness for Atlanta, given it ranked worst in sacks in 2021 and second worst in 2022. That said, the pass defense allowed a 67.8% completion percentage (28th) and lacks a long-term option opposite A.J. Terrell at corner. Casey Hayward is entering the final year of his deal and turns 34 in September. Gonzalez is 6-foot-1 and has 4.38 speed and plenty of on-ball production, bringing down four interceptions last season.

Here is what his top ten list looked like Tuesday morning.

  1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears) — C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
  2. Houston Texans — Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
  3. Indianapolis Colts (via projected trade with Arizona Cardinals) — Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
  4. Arizona Cardinals (via projected trade with Indianapolis Colts) — Will Anderson, LB, Alabama
  5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos) — Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
  6. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams) — Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
  7. Las Vegas Raiders — Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
  8. Atlanta Falcons — Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
  9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers) — Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
  10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints) — Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa

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