Let’s do some quick math.

The New England Patriots entered the 2023 NFL Draft with 74 players on their roster. They drafted 12 players and signed three more as undrafted free agents. That means they have one spot remaining on their 90-man roster.

So, let’s look at some positions of need and available players New England could sign to fill it:

RUNNING BACK

The Patriots currently have six running backs on their roster in Rhamondre Stevenson, James Robinson, Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong, Kevin Harris and J.J. Taylor. How much confidence do you have in those five other running backs if Stevenson went down with an injury? Personally, my answer would be not much.

There are still some talented running backs out there in free agency, and if they’re willing to sign a value deal, then New England should be interested in players like Leonard Fournette, Darrel Williams, Kenyan Drake, Malcolm Brown or Sony Michel.

TIGHT END

New England doesn’t have any reliable depth behind Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki. Beyond those two players, they have Scotty Washington, Matt Sokol and undrafted free agent Johnny Lumpkin. Henry and Gesicki aren’t the most dependable blocking tight ends, and they need some insurance in case of injury. 

Cameron Brate, Geoff Swaim, Kyle Rudolph and Maxx Williams are among the top players still available in free agency.

SAFETY

I would categorize this as a lesser need since on top of Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jalen Mills, Jabrill Peppers, Joshuah Bledsoe, Brad Hawkins, Cody Davis and Brenden Schooler, the Patriots also have hybrid rookie linebacker/safeties Marte Mapu and Jourdan Heilig on the roster. 

But it still seems to make a lot of sense for New England to sign old friend Duron Harmon to fill a role at free safety. He’s still been a very solid player for the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders since leaving New England.

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