Patriots Take a CB With Their First Pick on Day 3
Patriots Target Size and Coverage Prowess with Day 3 Selection of Karon Prunty
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Posted Under: 2026 Patriots Draft
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The New England Patriots finally made their first selection of day three late Saturday, with the club turning its attention to the defensive side of the ball.
This time, it was Wake Forest cornerback Karon Prunty who the Patriots added with the 171st selection in Round 5.
Prunty is a player the club had previously in for a 30-visit this offseason, and from a physical standpoint, he’s certainly a solid addition. He’s listed 6’2″, 192lbs, which adds terrific size for a Patriots team that struggled in match-ups where they were forced to put smaller bodies on bigger players last season.
He’s also fast and athletic, having run a 4.45 40 as well as a 4.20 shuttle and a 6.82 3-cone drill.
The rookie defensive back was solid in coverage for the Demon Deacons in 2025. He earned Third Team All-ACC honors in his final season, as well as being graded by PFF as the No. 12 coverage corner in the country. He also finished the season with a 44.4% catch rate allowed, which was second-best in the ACC.
Overall, he combined for 40 tackles, including 23 solo and 17 assisted, in 2025, as well as two tackles for a loss, a sack, and an interception. He also had 8 passes defended, along with a forced fumble and a recovery.
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