When it comes to cornerback play in the NFL, Christian Gonzalez might just be the gold standard right now. The New England Patriots starter is one of the best players the position currently has to offer, and one of the premier defensive backs in the league right now.
For the Patriots, this means that the contract extension Gonzalez is hoping for won’t come cheap. For one of their players, meanwhile, it means a prime opportunity to get an up-close look at a Pro Bowl talent.
Fifth-round rookie Karon
Prunty is making sure to keep a close eye on Gonzalez in hopes of adding some new elements to his game.
“Most of the time watching his reps, just trying to pick his brain,” Prunty said. “Just talking to him during practice, after practice about things that he sees on the field, things like that. Just his technique and how he relaxes, trying to take some of his game and apply it to mine.”
Gonzalez and Prunty entered the NFL under different circumstances. The former was a top-tier prospect in 2023, whose fall to the Patriots at No. 17 overall was considered a major surprise and massive steal on the team’s part. Prunty, on the other hand, wasn’t even invited to the Scouting Combine before getting selected 171st overall earlier this year.
And yet, despite those backgrounds, Prunty believes they play the game in a similar way. At least, that’s what he aims to be.
“Just be a physical corner that can play it all — press or zone,” he explained. “Always on the body, always on my man. Just doing the right thing and knowing my As, and just doing my job each and every single play, and just getting the trust from the coaches.”
To do so, and earn himself a spot on New England’s 53-man roster. come the regular season, he is trying to apply one of the lessons taught by Gonzalez and the other veterans in the Patriots secondary. Make sure to be on your Ps and Qs.
“The NFL is very scheme-heavy, so it’s always good to know the offensive coordinator and know the things that they like to run as well,” he said when asked about the advice he had been given. “Going against the offense, I’m just starting to pick up the things that the offense does each and every day. So, I just try to pick up on the little things and just recognize formations and everything to help me with my game.”
