Christian Gonzalez was snubbed from making his first Pro Bowl, and the disrespect continued on Monday,
PFF released its list of top 25 players under the age of 25 and the New England Patriots cornerback was absent from the list.
Cornerbacks who did make the list are Kansas City Chiefs’ Trent McDuffie (No. 5), Houston Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr. (No. 13), Seattle Seahawks’ Devon Witherspoon (No. 16), Buffalo Bills’ Christian Benford (No. 18) and Philadelphia Eagles’ Cooper DeJean (No.24).
After Gonzalez’s rookie season in 2023 was cut short due to a torn labrum, he returned in 2024 and was one of the bright spots for New England in a trying 4-13 season. In 16 games for the Patriots, Gonzalez amassed 59 total tackles (20 solo), two interceptions and 11 passes defended en route to earning Second-Team All-Pro honors.
The 2023 first-round pick showed he can be a true No. 1 cornerback. Gonzalez’s assignments regularly included covering the opposing team’s best wide receiver. Opposing quarterbacks completed 39% of their targets with Gonzalez in coverage.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye also didn’t PFF’s list after, like Gonzalez, being a consistent force for New England in 2024. Only two QB’s were mentioned: Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels (No. 4) and Texans’ C.J. Stroud (No. 12). While Maye being left off isn’t as surprising as Gonzalez, the duo could be primed to debut on it next year if they continue to build on their strong seasons.
