AJ Brown gives high praise to Christian Gonzalez at Patriots training camp

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Matthew Couden

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

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Wide receiver AJ Brown is becoming acclimated to his New England Patriots teammates at training camp and recently said it's "very close" regarding his new teammate being among the best cornerbacks in the NFL.

Speaking with Kay Adams, Brown shared high praise for Patriots corner Christian Gonzalez when asked about him, calling it "good work" and then "great work" to match up against him during practices.

"The margin for error is so small. It's so small, and he's making me better, and I'm getting him better as well. Every single day, we're going at it, and that's what you love," he told Adams.

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"Last season I was going up against Quinyon Mitchell. Someone who's really talented as well. I'm really blessed to be put in these situations. They're just preparing me for Sundays," Brown said. "I know I'm in year eight, but these practices each and every day still gonna get me better."

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After a fantastic 2022 season with the Eagles, Brown saw his numbers decline in the next two seasons. He caught 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns last season, which were his worst numbers in the past three seasons.

The rumors of internal frustrations within the team involving Brown ultimately resulted in the team trading him this offseason. He's now reunited with former head coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots, a team that finished as runner-ups in this past February's Super Bowl.

He spoke about how good Gonzalez is, just based on going up against him in practices so far. He also wouldn't proclaim him as the best cornerback, but it's close.

Adams asked Brown if Gonzalez is the best corner in the league, and Brown said, "he's very close," admitting that the Denver Broncos' Patrick Surtain is right up there with him.

"He's very poised. He's very patient. ... He trusts his speed, and obviously he has great ball skills as well," Brown said. "He has the whole package, and it's very challenging. Me and Drake [Maye] has to be on the same page. Every single time."

The 6-foot-1 Gonzalez is entering his fourth season after the Patriots took him 17th in the 2022 NFL Draft. He's looking to follow up a stellar 2025 campaign in which he became a first-time Pro Bowl selection.

Meanwhile, Surtain, the Broncos' No. 9 pick in 2021, has been a Pro Bowler in each of his past four seasons and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.

For those who look at Madden NFL 27 as a predictor for the upcoming season, the game's player ratings suggest that Gonzalez is the best corner, as he has a 98 overall rating in the game, while Surtain checks in at 97. Those ratings could change depending on how their 2026-27 seasons go.

However, Brown has love for both cornerbacks and also realizes he could match up with Surtain when the Patriots face the Broncos in a Jan. 3, 2027, flex game on the schedule.

He and the New England Patriots begin their regular season on Wednesday, Sept. 9, in a Super Bowl rematch against the Seattle Seahawks.

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