It took them a while, but the New England Patriots have finally made another selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the 171st overall pick in Round 5, the reigning AFC champions have selected cornerback Karon Prunty out of Wake Forest.
Prunty, 24, was a journey man in college. He started his career at Kansas, briefly transferred to South Carolina, then to North Carolina A&T, and finally ended his six-year college career at Wake Forest.
Primarily an outside cornerback who also saw action on special teams, he appeared in 40 games along the way and registered a pair of interceptions as well as one forced fumble and recovery each. He also broke up 27 passes. Prunty was voted third-team All-ACC after his lone season at Wake Forest in 2025.
While not invited to the Scouting Combine, the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder received considerable interest from the Patriots in the pre-draft process. Besides meeting the team’s representatives at the Demon Deacons’ pro day, he also visited Gillette Stadium.
With Prunty in the fold, the Patriots have now made four picks in this year’s draft. They went with offensive tackle Caleb Lomu in the first round followed by edge Gabe Jacas and tight end Eli Raridon in the second and third rounds, respectively. New England did not make a selection in Round 4.
