The New England Patriots came away with 12 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, but they did forego drafting a few positions of perceived need.

That should have two veteran free-agent signees feeling comfortable after the draft.

Let's run through the winners and losers on the Patriots' roster after last weekend's draft.

WINNER: RB James Robinson

Robinson makes more money on a per-game and statistical basis through per-game roster bonuses and incentives. So, he benefitted from New England electing not to draft or sign a rookie running back. He will have to compete for reps behind Rhamondre Stevenson with 2022 draft picks Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris and veteran Ty Montgomery.

LOSER: K Nick Folk

The Patriots not only drafted Maryland kicker Chad Ryland in the fourth round, they actually used a sixth-round pick to trade up to get him. So, unless Ryland is a complete disaster in training camp preseason this summer, Folk is likely on the outs in New England.

WINNER: QB Mac Jones

The Patriots added a quarterback last weekend, but they waited until after the draft to sign undrafted free agent Malik Cunningham for $200,000 guaranteed with a $30,000 signing bonus. It’s a lot to pay an undrafted free agent, but Cunningham isn’t serious competition for Jones. Second-year QB Bailey Zappe could be, however, but that’s a story for a different day. New England didn’t select Will Levis, Hendon Hooker or any of the top QBs, which ultimately is good news for Jones. I’m a little curious to see if Cunningham can make the team and if he does what his role would look like. I’ve mentioned this before, but he could be pretty effective on QB sneaks and potentially in goal-line situations.

LOSER: A second-year cornerback

Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, it appeared the Patriots’ starting cornerbacks would be Jack Jones, Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones. After New England selected cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the No. 17 overall pick in the draft, one of those three likely won’t be on the first-team defense. It all depends on whether the Patriots want to put Jonathan Jones outside or in the slot. If he’s outside, then Jack Jones will likely sit. If Jonathan Jones in the slot, then Marcus Jones is likely on the bench.

WINNER: RT Riley Reiff

Reiff can earn up to $4 million through play-time incentives. So, it’s good news for the veteran tackle that New England didn’t select a player who would seriously compete for the starting role at right tackle. Some have surmised that the Patriots could move Michael Onwenu to right tackle and put a rookie — either Jake Andrews, Sidy Sow or Atonio Mafi — at guard. That seems unlikely based on comments from director of player personnel Matt Groh after the draft when he said Onwenu has settled into playing at guard.