ESPN's Todd McShay Updates NFL Mock Draft
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.
- Carolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears) — C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
- Houston Texans — Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
- Indianapolis Colts (via projected trade with Arizona Cardinals) — Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
- Arizona Cardinals (via projected trade with Indianapolis Colts) — Will Anderson, LB, Alabama
- Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos) — Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
- Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams) — Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
- Las Vegas Raiders — Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
- Atlanta Falcons — Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
- Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers) — Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
- Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints) — Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa
