We are squarely in that awkward time when it is time to turn the page to the next recruiting class while fully recognizing the current class is not yet compete. I hope for a stud WR, a stud DT, a stud OT, and a stud CB.
Given the portal, I think you target at least 1 player for every position - regardless of what you currently have on the roster. I expect significant attrition due to the nature of the portal and Belichick cutting players, When I look at the 2026 roster, I see a clear line of demarcation of ~15 players that I would classify as practice squad athletes. I don't expect most to transfer out in the coming year or two.
With that in mind here is how I see things for 2027. This is a rough guide until we get more clarity with post-season transfers.
| Position | Ideal Depth | Actual Depth | Need | Reasoning |
| QB | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 per class - depth allows for whale hunting |
| RB | 5 | 8 | 1 | 1 per class - depth allows for whale hunting |
| Slot WR | 5 | 6 | 1 | 1 per class - depth allows for whale hunting |
| Outside WR | 10 | 10 | 2 | Expecting attrition; 4 seniors on roster |
| TE | 7 | 8 | 1 | 1 per class - depth allows for whale hunting |
| OT | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 to ideal - 2 seniors on roster |
| OG | 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 to ideal |
| C | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 per class |
| DT | 10 | 11 | 4 | Expecting significant attrition & need to upgrade talent |
| Edge | 10 | 11 | 3 | Expecting attrition & need to upgrade talent |
| LB | 8 | 8 | 2 | Expecting attrition & need to upgrade talent |
| S | 10 | 9 | 2 | Expecting attrition |
| CB | 12 | 10 | 4 | Expecting attrition & need to upgrade talent |
| Specialist | 4 | 3 | 1 | Need punter |
That puts us at a class of 28 with the flexibility to add 1 best available on offense and 1 on defense. This feels right.
In my mind, the only question is if I have OL depth of 19 correct in the new environment. On the surface, this feels like overkill. Second, in 2025 we have 16 OL on the roster. That said, Belichick/Lombardi maintain their desire to build from the inside, out - reiterating the importance of OL numbers.
Belichick has hinted that he won't use all 105 scholarships. Something to keep in mind.
