The NFL preseason is underway, which means that we are getting closer to week 1 and the start of the NFL season. While we still have two more preseason games to go, the bigger story to follow will be who teams cut and who makes the 53-man roster.
For the New England Patriots, one wide receiver is making a strong case following a good showing in the team's first preseason game against the Washington Commanders and the following practice.
Efton Chism III, are you serious?
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 10, 2025
What a catch.
Red zone. Blanketed by Marcus Jones. Desperation heave by Joshua Dobbs.
Chism leaps and comes down with it, crashing to the ground.
Patriots rookie slot WR Efton Chism is starting to flash again in a big way. Looking like a cheat code in practice for Joshua Dobbs.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 10, 2025
Efton Chism Making Strong Push for a Patriots Roster Spot
In the Patriots' first practice following the team's 48-18 preseason win over the Commanders, Efton Chism continued to make big plays. Chism had the play of the day, catching a desperation pass in the endzone with cornerback Marcus Jones all over him. This follows a strong performance against the commanders, which saw Chism catch 6 passes on the day for a total of 50 yards and a touchdown.
This isn't the first time Chism has been making plays, as he was one of the standout players during the team's OTAS. Now that Chism has continued to show out and prove his worth to the Patriots offense, it's more likely that we could see him land on the team's 53-man roster for the Week 1 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Chism signed with the Patriots following the 2025 NFL draft, where he went undrafted. Before that, Chism played for 5 seasons at Eastern Washington. During his last year in college, Chism dominated for the Eagles, finishing with 120 catches, 1,311 yards, and 13 touchdowns.
In the season finale, Chism would break the single-season receptions record that was held by current NFL receiver Cooper Kupp. He'd be named to the FCS first team All-Americans list before participating in both the Hula Bowl and East vs West Shrine Bowl.