It has become commonplace among Patriots fans to not be overly thrilled with several of the selections the team makes in the NFL Draft, and that sentiment has been felt this year for a handful of picks.
Other than simply wishing they had chosen someone else, Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf have also been criticized for reaching for a few players, with the most scrutinized pick being cornerback Karon Prunty.
The fifth-rounder was not on many experts' draft boards, with most projecting he would go undrafted, a projection that immediately drew criticism from the front office. Despite his potential, there haven't been many positive takes or optimism that Prunty can become what the defense needs, but that is not felt when he talks about his NFL future.
Considering what's already been said about him, it's good to hear that his confidence isn't wavering.
Karon Prunty is determined to earn an integral role on the Patriots in any way that he can
While speaking to reporters last week at rookie mini camp, Prunty made his intentions clear about his rookie season, sharing his desire to prove he's a good teammate and will do whatever is asked of him, while also setting his sights on earning Pro Bowl honors, too.
“Just want to prove I’m willing to do whatever for the team. Whether it’s playing special teams, running as a gunner, being a Pro Bowler at that, or getting on the field as a corner and just getting my feet wet, things like that.”
Maybe it's a bit premature to be looking at the Pro Bowl already, but he's clearly setting a high goal, and his willingness to put in the work to reach it is impressive and admirable.
That's the kind of work ethic the Patriots have become known for loving in their players, and that has continued under Vrabel. Whether Prunty ultimately reaches that goal is hard to say before he even takes the field, but he's not letting an ego get in the way of what could become a fruitful NFL career.
If that means he becomes an integral part of the special teams unit rather than the secondary, then so be it. The Patriots have room to improve there, and Prunty could be a solid fix to make them a more successful group in the long-term.
Whatever he does, he's made it apparent that he's going to put in the work required, and that's exactly the kind of attitude the Patriots need in their locker room.
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