NFL Draft: Christian Gonzalez expected to be Ducks' 4th-straight first-round selection

For three years in a row, the Oregon football team has had a former player taken in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Expect that streak to reach four straight years.

Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who had a one-and-done career as a Duck, is being touted as clear-cut first-round selection come Thursday when the NFL Draft kicks off its three-day, seven-round live draft event in Kansas City.

Last month during Oregon’s pro day at the Moshofsky Center, Gonzalez said he will be attending the draft where he’ll get the chance to walk across the stage and greet NFL commissioner Roger Goodell when his name is called.

Gonzalez isn’t expected to have a long wait on Thursday as he has a good chance to become the fourth straight Duck to be picked inside the top 10.

Quarterback Justin Herbert went sixth overall to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020, offensive tackle Penei Sewell went seventh overall to the Detroit Lions in 2021, and defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux went fifth overall to the New York Giants in 2022.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the league,” Gonzalez said. “It’s just a blessing to get to the next chapter.”

At the NFL Combine in March, Gonzalez measure at 6-foot-1, 197 pounds and ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash time. He’s projected as a year-one NFL starter.

After two years at Colorado, Gonzalez transferred to Oregon in 2022 and led the Ducks with four interceptions and seven pass breakups. He also had 50 tackles.

“I think it’s finally coming to light,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve always known I’m a great player and a player that can play at the next level and it’s good to finally see it. But there’s still that chip on my shoulder. There’s always something I gotta prove and get better with.”

Gonzalez’s sister, Melissa, is married to David Blough, a back-up quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals who has helped provide insight and advice as Gonzalez has gone through the pre-draft process.

“He’s been telling me to keep my head down and continue to work,” Gonzalez said. “This is a dream but you know it’s just a start of the next big chapter. It’s the little feeling of, ‘I’m here, but what do I gotta do now?’ You just don’t want to make it to the draft, now it’s about longevity and wanting to play 10-plus years.”

His goal of playing a decade in the NFL will begin Thursday, and Gonzalez is trying to soak it all in.

“It’s definitely surreal,” Gonzalez said. “That’s the one word I always describe how I feel right now. Sometimes it’s just like a dream come true to be able to do this. I’m just keeping my head down and living in the moment.”

Gonzalez isn’t the only former Duck hoping to hear his name called this weekend.

Projected draft picks

• Noah Sewell — The linebacker is most likely a Day 2 pick as the draft moves into the second and third rounds.

• DJ Johnson — The edge rusher has been projected as a Day 3 pick.

• Alex Forsyth — The center is also projected to go in the sixth round or later.

• T.J. Bass — Started at offensive tackle for the Ducks but projects as a guard in the NFL.

• Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu — Scouts love his wingspan, but the offensive tackle could also move inside as a pro.

Potential undrafted free agents

Safety Bennett Williams; OL Ryan Walk; WR Chase Cota; DL Jordan Riley; LS Karsten Battles.

Follow Chris Hansen on Twitter @chansen_RG or email at chansen@registerguard.com. For more sports coverage, visit registerguard.com. Want more stories like this? Subscribe to get unlimited access and support local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Oregon Ducks football NFL Draft Christian Gonzalez first-round pick