4 prospects Packers could regret passing on in 2023 NFL Draft

2. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Drafted: Round 1 (No. 17) by New England Patriots

The Packers love to draft elite athletes at premium positions in the first round. Their pick at No. 13, Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness, checks both boxes. Adding a pass rusher was a bigger priority than cornerback, but passing on Christian Gonzalez was a bold call.

Gonzalez has star potential in the NFL. The opportunity to pair Gonzalez with All-Pro Jaire Alexander and former first-rounder Eric Stokes must've been tempting.

"Explosive outside cornerback possessing a rare blend of physical and athletic traits," wrote Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.

With a Relative Athletic Score of 9.95 out of 10, Gonzalez is one of the best athletes in the draft class.

Gonzalez checks every box of a potential superstar at the cornerback position. Yes, corner wasn't a major need for the Packers, but for a team rebuilding in the post-Aaron Rodgers era, taking the best player available makes sense.

Maybe the Packers do believe they took the best player available. Lukas Van Ness also plays a premium position and has star potential.

But the opportunity to draft a cornerback with Gonzalez's potential doesn't come around all that often. The Packers may regret not picking him.