The Patriots have the definition of a first-world NFL problem.

Their fourth-most important accomplishment during this week’s draft would be to upgrade their third-string tight end. If they don’t, the world will keep turning and the Super Bowl LI champions will remain favorites to repeat. But it’s still worth seeking out.

To add to the hilarity of such a need, which would only help the rich get richer, starting tight end Rob Gronkowski has already been debated as the best ever at the position. And their second-stringer, offseason trade acquisition Dwayne Allen, might be the best No. 2 tight end in the league.

But there are legitimate reasons to improve the unit’s depth. Gronkowski is coming off back surgery, which is nothing he hasn’t accomplished before, and missed 30 games due to injuries over the past five seasons, including six playoff contests. Gronkowski’s third back procedure was also his ninth known surgery since 2009, so his ability to hold up for a full season is always a fair concern for the soon-to-be 28-year old.

Allen also has medical constraints. The 27-year old can do it all when healthy, an elite blocker with 19 touchdown receptions in five seasons. But since playing a full slate in 2012, Allen has missed 26 games over the past four seasons, including the playoffs.

Because the position is so integral to the Pats offense, it’s important to stockpile as much talent as possible. Surely, the Patriots missed Gronkowski last season when he was down, but Martellus Bennett was their best backup option since 2012.

There had been too many times in past seasons when Gronkowski was injured and quarterback Tom Brady essentially ignored his replacement, whether it was Scott Chandler, Tim Wright or whoever else. That’s a scenario worth avoiding. Considering the Pats’ lack of other major needs and the impressive tight end talent pool in this draft, it’d make sense to snag one this week. As of now, Matt Lengel and Rob Housler will compete for the third tight end spot.

The Pats should also consider a long-term viewpoint. Sure, Gronkowski is young enough to play another decade, but there’s always the concern that the next injury will be his last, even if he continuously makes that theory look foolish. But it can’t be ignored that Gronkowski has cap hits of $11 million in 2018 and $12 million in 2019, and coach Bill Belichick has a history of making unpopular and difficult business decisions if the money exceeds the on-field production. That’s not to suggest a split with Gronkowski is likely or even something Belichick has ever considered, but the possibility at least has merit.

The Pats have only drafted one tight end (AJ Derby) in the past five years, and Belichick has a history of addressing that position in spurts. He drafted seven tight ends in his first seven years on the job, including first-rounders Daniel Graham (2002) and Ben Watson (2004) in a three-year stretch. The Pats didn’t draft a tight end from 2007-09 but landed Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in 2010 before taking Lee Smith in 2011. That has led into the most recent dry spell.

If the Patriots take a tight end, this would be a heck of a time to do it because this is viewed as the best draft class in years. The Pats can likely find a starting-caliber tight end deep into the fourth round.

It might be a best-case scenario for the Patriots to pair Gronkowski with a tight end like Michigan’s Jake Butt, who tore his ACL in December and might not be all that useful for the 2017 season. But if the Patriots can get a first-round talent in the middle rounds and essentially redshirt him for a year? That might be too good to pass up, especially if they’re willing to bank on the health of Gronkowski and Allen this year.

That’s the luxury of being a Super Bowl champion that has already addressed its greatest needs in free agency. If a third-string tight end is a problem, life is good.