4. Houston Texans 2023 NFL Draft dream target at No. 2: Christian Gonzalez
As bad as the Texans' offense was last year, their defense wasn't much better and it needs an infusion of talent at all three levels. If they want to upgrade their secondary, they should then consider going after Christian Gonzales, the top cornerback prospect in this year's draft.
Houston signed Tavairre Thomas in free agency but their cornerback room could still use a few more upgrades. They drafted Derek Stingley Jr. with the third overall pick last year but he struggled to get acclimated to the NFL. To make matters worse, a hamstring injury limited the former LSU Tiger to just nine games. Even if Stingley hits his stride and Thomas delivers, the Texans would still need another corner. That's where Gonzalez comes in.
A four-star prospect out of high school, Gonzalez attended Colorado for two years before transferring to Oregon in 2022. The Texas native showcased his playmaking skills on the Ducks' defense, logging four interceptions and seven passes defensed in 12 games.
At 6'11'' and 197 pounds, Gonzalez has the size and length to effectively play corner in the NFL. He's got the lateral quickness and the awareness to shadow No. 1 receivers and effectively shut down one side of the field.
The only potential weakness in his game might be his lack of strength. Brantley Weisman of The Draft Network notes that "bigger and stronger receivers can out-muscle him through the seam".
Nevertheless, Weissman thinks Gonzalez can develop a lockdown corner and maybe even a Pro Bowl player.
Weissman isn't alone in his assessment of Gonzales and the Texans should do what they can to land him.