The New England Patriots ran the Las Vegas Raiders out of the building on Sunday, winning 45-17. While the books favored New England, a four-touchdown win wasn't the expectation, even from the most optimistic of fans.
While Kirk Cousins led the league in passing touchdowns and Ashton Jeanty averaged over 100 total scrimmage yards going into the game, both were largely shut down. One player who was a thorn in New England's side for the second straight year, however, was Brock Bowers.
When the Patriots hosted the Raiders in Week 1 of 2025, the former Georgia Bulldog had five grabs for 103 yards. Bowers hit the century mark again on Sunday, hauling in 8 of 10 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown. While he lost a fumble late in the third quarter, he was largely unstoppable.
While Bowers has averaged 104 yards and a touchdown across three games this season, New England's struggles against him stem from his size.
Marcus Jones' sticky coverage, at 5-foot-8, couldn't make up for the eight-inch height difference, while Charles Woods and Kindle Vildor aren't equipped to handle such a talented tight end. Veteran safety Kevin Byard also struggled, committing a pass interference penalty on the opening drive.
With height concerns surrounding Jones, perhaps adding another defensive back to help cover tight ends and shut down the red zone will be something the team looks to do.
3 options to add size to the Patriots' defensive backfield
CB Jeff Okudah, Free Agent
Often compared to 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, Okudah was selected third overall in 2020 by the Detroit Lions. He never reached the former Patriot's heights. The former Ohio State cornerback played just 10 games over his first two NFL seasons, but eventually managed 15 appearances in 2022.
In that season, Okudah had strong numbers in terms of missed tackle rate (7.8%) and touchdowns allowed (2), but generally struggled in coverage. He allowed 110-plus yards on three occasions and gave up a 61.5% completion rate. He allowed a passer rating over 100.0 on six occasions, allowing a perfect 158.3 rating against the Packers in Week 9.
He was traded to Atlanta for a late-round pick following the end of the 2022 season, and would sign with Houston after just one year with the Falcons. He played in six games with the Vikings last season, but struggled immensely. Opposing passers went 11 of 12 for 175 yards and a touchdown against him.
While Okudah is far from what he was advertised to be coming out of OSU in 2020, adding him to the practice squad would provide length (6-foot-1) and top-five pedigree. If he truly is a dormant Stephon Gilmore, perhaps New England's physical defensive scheme could help him reach a late peak at age 27.
CB Kristian Fulton, Kansas City Chiefs
Selected by Mike Vrabel's Tennessee Titans in the second round in 2020, the 5-foot-11 Fulton could step in as the fourth cornerback for New England. The 28-year-old played opposite true freshman Derek Stingley Jr. on LSU's tremendous 2019 squad, and eventually played a significant role for the Titans as a rookie.
Fulton began his career by seeing more than half his snaps in the slot before moving outside, and he saw 99 total snaps in the Chiefs' first two games. Since then, he's played just 16. With Mansoor Delane back after missing Week 2 with a shoulder injury, the necessity of having Fulton as a depth option has diminished.
It would be understandable if the undefeated Chiefs wanted to hold onto their depth, but harvesting a draft pick from the Patriots may prove too intriguing for a fourth cornerback with a $13 million cap hit.
If Vrabel wants to continue working with Fulton, sending a late-round pick to secure the Patriots' cornerback room would seem to be a strong idea.
Safety Elliott Davison or CB Al'zillion Hamilton, Patriots Practice Squad
The Patriots rostered just three cornerbacks against the Raiders, but they did promote an extra defensive back to the roster: Elliott Davison.
The rookie went undrafted this spring after playing his college ball at Incarnate Word and UTSA. After spending the preseason with the Saints, the Patriots signed him to their practice squad. During his stint with New Orleans, Davison played 116 snaps over three games. Just seven came as a slot corner, while he played as a safety or in the box otherwise.
This week, he managed an 83.2 PFF grade on 10 snaps, nine of which came in coverage. He was targeted three times in those coverage snaps, allowing one completion for six yards. His strong play in a small sample size, paired with his height (6 feet), could make him an asset as a depth option.
Furthermore, the Patriots added Al'zillion Hamilton to the practice squad last week. Unlike Davison, he wasn't promoted to the active roster on Sunday, but his college production was encouraging.
Hamilton allowed a 53.2% completion rate during his career at Fresno State, while his four interceptions in 2025 were a career high. However, he was penalized a career-high five times. With more time, the 5-foot-11 Hamilton could be an answer.
Whether New England looks to make a signing, trade, or is confident in their in-house options, height at cornerback is something they could certainly look to add.
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