Patriots add length and potential at corner with fifth-round pick Karon Prunty

New England selected Wake Forest cornerback Karon Prunty with the 171st overall pick in Round 5 after extensive pre-draft contact, despite him being far down many consensus boards. Prunty is a 6-1, 190-pound outside corner with a 4.45 40 and strong college coverage grades, including eight career interceptions. Pundits were mixed on the pick: some praised the Patriots’ diligence and potential upside, while others viewed it as a value reach given the cornerback depth in this class. The selection tackles a long-term need for outside corner depth as the team continues to build its secondary.