Latest news with #EftonChismIII
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Latest Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection Is Bad News For Two Wide Receivers
One preseason game is now in the books, and it couldn't have gone much better for the Patriots. Wins and losses don't matter of course, but the way the Patriots won against the Commanders was still incredibly impressive. The team racked up 327 total yards of offense, forced two turnovers, and put up 48 total teams. The game started off in the most exciting way possible, as rookie TreVeyon Henderson returned a kick 100 yards for a score. Several players stood out in the performance, including undrafted free agent wide receiver Efton Chism III. Chism led the Patriots with 6 catches for 50 yards and one score. Before the game, Chism was fighting for one of the final roster spots, and likely on the outside looking in. Now? At least one insider thinks the rookie will make the team. Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston provided an updated 53-man roster after the first preseason game, and Perry had Chism on the final roster. In total, Perry kept seven receivers: Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, Efton Chism III, and Javon Baker. Even with keeping seven receivers, Perry left off Kendrick Bourne and Ja'Lynn Polk. Bourne is a veteran who has been around since 2021 and Polk was a second-round pick just last year. At one point, it would have been unfathomable to imagine either of these guys being cut, but it now seems like the most likely scenario. Bourne had just 38 catches for 305 yards and one touchdown last year, while Polk caught just 12 passes for 87 yards and two scores during his rookie campaign. Neither Bourne nor Polk have been able to stand out much this summer, and neither played a factor in the preseason opener. Bourne didn't record a statistic and Polk unfortunately had to leave early due to injury. It's unclear if either receiver will be able to do enough to jump Chism and/or Baker for a roster spot at this point. Related Headlines Promising Patriots Rookie Placed On Injured Reserve Following Preseason Opener Patriots' rookie continues to stand above the rest after impressive preseason debut NFL Teams Prepping for Tyreek Hill Trade in Near Future Jerry Jones Still 'Pinching Himself' Over Dallas Cowboys Trade
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection After Dominant Win In Preseason Opener
The preseason couldn't have gotten off to a much better start for the Patriots. The team went up against the Commanders on Friday night and dominated in almost every way, winning 48-18. The defense forced two turnovers and the special teams' unit looked incredible. Drake Maye didn't have the best game, but he wasn't asked to do too much. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, undrafted free agent Efton Chism III, and rookie defensive back Craig Woodson were among the most impressive performers for the Patriots. The end result of preseason games doesn't matter, but it was still nice to see the Patriots put so many points on the board. Several players seemingly helped their chances to make the final roster, while several more are now in more danger than ever of being cut. Today, let's predict what the 53-man roster could end up looking like after the preseason opener. QB (2): Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs Neither Maye nor Dobbs had their best performance against the Commanders, but that doesn't mean anything changes here. Third-string quarterback Ben Wooldridge did impress in the opener, but it still seems very unlikely the team keeps three passers on the roster. Dobbs has the experience and familiarity with Mike Vrabel, so he will be the backup. RB (4): Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson, Lan Larison Stevenson is still going to be the lead back, but the rookie Henderson should see plenty of snaps. Gibson is still around as well, and he's a solid veteran who brings experience and can fill in in a pinch. For now, Larison holds onto the fourth spot. There's no fullback on the roster, so it does seem likely that four running backs make it. However, it wouldn't be completely surprising to see an outside addition made here. WR (6): Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, Javon Baker Efton Chism III impressed in the opener, leading the team in catches and yards. However, I still don't think the undrafted free agent makes the final roster due to how deep this group is. Diggs, Douglas, Hollins, Williams, and probably Boutte at this point, are all locks. That means there's probably just one spot up for grabs, and currently, Baker has to be considered the favorite. TE (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jaheim Bell Henry and Hooper are obviously the first and second tight ends. Behind that, it's wide open for the final spot. For now, we'll go with Bell, who made the most of his opportunity in the opener, catching one pass for 18 yards. Josh McDaniels utilizies tight ends and he likes versatility. Therefore, it wouldn't be surprising to see Jack Westover make it due to his experience as a fullback, but for now, Bell makes it in. OL (9): Will Campbell, Mike Onwenu, Garrett Bradbury, Jared Wilson, Morgan Moses, Marcus Bryant, Caedan Wallace, Ben Brown Earlier this summer, most expected Cole Strange to be a starting guard for the Patriots. Now, the former first-rounder may not even make the team. The rookie Wilson has been starting at left guard in camp, and he has been one of the most impressive linemen on the team. Bryant, another rookie, has looked better than Demontrey Jacobs and could easily win the swing tackle role. Wallace and Brown make it as well for depth on the interior. DL (5): Milton Williams, Khyiris Tonga, Christian Barmore, Joshua Farmer, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. This group seems set already. Williams, Tonga, and Barmore will start, while Farmer and Pharms provide solid backup options. Farmer hasn't had the best summer, but he's a rookie and missed some time in camp. He shouldn't be at risk of losing his roster spot, but Pharms may be above him in the pecking order. It would be hard for any of the other linemen to crack this roster. EDGE (6): Harold Landry III, Anfernee Jennings, K'Lavon Chaisson, Keion White, Bradyn Swinson, Truman Jones Landry, Jennings, Chaisson, and White are probably all locks. Swinson is close to a lock due to his draft status, which means there may just be one spot unspoken for. If the season ended today, Jones would get the final spot. The former Harvard standout has been impressive this summer and racked up five tackles against the Commanders. Undrafted free agent Elijah Ponder has impressed too, though, and could still earn a spot. Linebacker (4): Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai Spillane was one of the team's prized free agent additions, and he's impressed this summer with his playmaking and leadership. Ellis should start next to Spillane, while Gibbens should be a solid backup who also has experience playing for Vrabel. The final spot, for now, goes to the experienced Jahlani Tavai. Tavai led the team in tackles last season, but he was inconsistent overall and it wouldn't be surprising to see the team move on. Don't count Marte Mapu out in this race. Cornerback (6): Carlton Davis II, Christian Gonzalez, Marcus Jones, D.J. James, Alex Austin, Kobee Minor If healthy, the duo of Davis and Gonzalez could be among the best in the league. However, both corners have been banged up this summer, and that has to be at least a little concerning this close to the season. Behind that duo, Jones and James make it as the slot corners, while Austin and Minor provide depth. It would be hard to cut Miles Battle at this point, but he's a solid practice squad candidate. Safeties (5): Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Craig Woodson, Jaylinn Hawkins, Marcus Epps Dugger, Peppers, and Woodson are all locks, while Hawkins is probably close after a strong summer showing. The final spot will be between several guys who have impressed at times, so it will be a tough decision. For now, let's go with the veteran Epps over Brenden Schooler and Dell Pettus. Schooler and Pettus are solid on special teams, but Epps has more experience and could even start if needed. Specialists (3): Andy Borregales, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby Borregales has been in a tight competition with Parker Romo this summer, but due to being a draft pick, Borregales has the inside edge. Baringer and Ashby don't have any competitioin on the roster currently, so those positions should be set. Related Headlines Patriots' Will Campbell gives brutally honest assessment of NFL preseason debut San Diego Padres Game Today: Includes Full 2025 Padres Schedule Texas Rangers Game Today: Includes Full 2025 TV Schedule Baltimore Orioles Game Today: TV Details and Start Times for Upcoming 2025 Orioles Schedule
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patriots' Efton Chism III shows why fans want him on New England's roster
Patriots' Efton Chism III shows why fans want him on New England's roster originally appeared on The Sporting News Efton Chism III's hype train is leaving the station. Get on now while you still can. The undrafted wide receiver for the New England Patriots stole the show in his preseason debut. Fans have already been clamoring for him to get a roster spot, and that'll only get louder now. On Friday night, Chism caught six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown for the Pats against the Washington Commanders. That included a fourth-down catch, run and hurdle into the end zone for his TD. MORE: Shedeur Sanders shows his NFL Draft slide might've been a mistake The Patriots signed Chism as an undrafted free agent soon after April's NFL Draft ended, and he's captured attention ever since. Chism is a 5-foot-10, 193-pound receiver out of Eastern Washington. He broke Cooper Kupp's FCS record by catching a pass in 53 consecutive games. In his EWU career, Chism had 346 catches for 3,852 yards and 37 TDs, usually operating out of the slot. Chism signed one of the league's biggest undrafted deals, a three-year contract with $234,000 in guaranteed base salary along with a $25,000 signing bonus, according to ESPN. MORE: TreVeyon Henderson's first NFL touch went to the house After the signing, EWU coach Aaron Best told ESPN: "Efton is not the biggest. He's not the fastest. He's not the strongest. But I will say he's most committed -- his Valentine is bigger than most people. His care of his teammates is bigger than most people. When you have a chip on your shoulder, that's real and you carry it for life. That's what he did in high school to get to college. He wasn't a highly recruited kid out of high school. No FBS offers, much like Coop. It didn't define him. It determined him. He just needed a chance. He got it here at a school he loved and he thrived in every aspect." Chism, as a small, shifty slot receiver, has Patriots fans wanting him to turn into Julian Edelman, Wes Welker or Danny Amendola. He's got a long way to go to join those names. But for now, Chism will take a successful preseason debut. And if he can look like that a few more times, he'll have a real chance to make the team. MORE NFL NEWS: Shilo Sanders sets big goals for his rookie NFL season Eagles have big plans for Saquon Barkley as a receiver Baker Mayfield isn't like other quarterbacks Jamal Adams is making a strong case for his position change Raiders fans blaming the same issue for Ashton Jeanty's poor start Tet McMillan made an incredible first NFL catch
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Watch: Patriots undrafted dark horse WR scores first NFL touchdown
New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III was the talk of the early spring practices. That talk seemingly died down during training camp, but it came back in a big way in Friday's preseason opener against the Washington Commanders. Chism led the Patriots on the night with six receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown came on a pass from fellow rookie Ben Wooldridge, who found Chism on a short crosser. Chism shook the defender in coverage and ran into the end zone to add to the offensive onslaught. It was a play that strengthened the Eastern Washington standout's argument for a roster spot. The Patriots will have some tough decisions to make when cutting their roster down to 53 players. Chism is one of the players likely vying for one of the last remaining spots at wide receiver. Whether the Patriots choose to carry five, six or even seven receivers could be the deciding factor in his future with the team. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook. This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Watch: Patriots undrafted dark horse WR scores first NFL touchdown
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Watch: Patriots rookie makes play of the day after quiet training camp
New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III put an end to a thus-far quiet training camp with a diving touchdown catch at Monday's practice. The undrafted rookie's immediate rise in the receivers' room was one of the biggest talking points over the spring. However, things have been eerily silent on the Chism front ever since the start of training camp. He has quickly gone from being a dark horse many predicted to make the team to being left off most 53-man roster projections. With that said, there is still plenty of training camp left to go, and Chism finally made his mark on a beautiful touchdown reception down the right sideline on a pass play from quarterback Joshua Dobbs. It isn't out of the realm of possibility that the Patriots could keep six or even seven receivers on their final roster. Those extra spots being open could mean an opportunity for Chism to make the team. But Chism will need to give the team a reason to keep him around. His reliable hands and speed getting in and out of his routes are reminiscent of past Patriots greats, like Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman. We'll see if it translates to game action when the Patriots go head-to-head with the Washington Commanders in Friday's preseason opener. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook. This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Watch: Patriots rookie makes play of the day after quiet training camp
