The little-known NFL superstar has only started six games in his career, but has developed into the best cornerback in the league

AN NFL youngster has already developed into one of the best, if not the best, cornerback in the league – and many fans are still unaware of it.

Christian Gonzalez, a second-year cornerback for the New England Patriots, has impressed in just six games of his career.

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The Patriots surprised the world with their unexpected road win in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

They also put in a brave performance in their 20-23 home overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2.

Most of the positives came from New England's defense, which held its opponents to just 33 points for two weeks.

And cornerback Gonzalez, selected in the first round of the 2023 draft, was one of the team's bright spots.

In two games, he held Ja'Marr Chase and DK Metcalf, two of the NFL's best wide receivers, to just six pass catches for 38 yards, according to Field Yates of ESPN and Next General statistics.

Gonzalez contributed after suffering season-ending injuries in his rookie season last year.

His injury occurred after he won the Defensive Rookie of the Month award in September.

In the first three games of his career, Gonzalez was tasked with covering players like AJ Brown, Tyreek Hill and Garrett Wilson.

And he was able to hold his own against all three.

The latter wide receiver and NFL star only managed three catches and 18 yards.

If you combine his stats against Brown, DeVonta Smith, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Wilson, Chase and Metcalf, you'll see that Gonzalez has allowed a total of 17 catches for 148 total yards.

Gonzalez will see his fair share of reps against Wilson as they face each other on the Week 3 edition of Thursday Night football at the Jets' home opener.

Wilson's teammate, star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, believes Gonzalez is already an elite player in the league.

“I think he's a great player,” Rodgers said of the second-year defender on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday.

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“He was in our rehab at the Achilles factory during the off-season.

“I didn't do any Achilles rehab, but he was out there.

“I only got to know him a little bit.

“He is a great boy [and] he is super, super talented.

“I mean, he's an elite player.”

Gonzalez and the Pats face a quick turnaround in Week 3.

But it would be hard to bet against Gonzalez, who is already proving that he is one of the best cornerbacks in the league.