Efton Chism III earned a spot on the Patriots after leading NE in receptions and yards in two preseason games, capped by six grabs for 71 yards and a touchdown vs Minnesota. His rise from undrafted EWU highlight to a real roster target mirrors a fantasy sleeper’s checklist: opportunity, clear path in a thin WR room, and a quarterback-friendly offense ready to pivot with injuries. Chism’s story tees up immediate curiosity about Week 1 role and weekly upside if the offense sustains momentum.

The saga also spotlights Demario Douglas and the Patriots’ unsettled WR depth, with Stefon Diggs’s aging profile and a Minnesota test in the rearview for Chism’s ceiling. If the unit stabilizes, Chism could emerge as a late-season staple or a high-leverage dart throw in deeper fantasy rosters, especially in best-ball formats that reward breakout volatility.

New England completed its 53-man roster cuts and ducked into a light week of practice behind Gillette Stadium. Christian Gonzalez sat with a hamstring issue, while Efton Chism, Anfernee Jennings and Jack Gibbens returned to action after minor ailments. Kendrick Bourne was released, Javon Baker waived, and Tommy DeVito plus Charles Woods were claimed off waivers to reconstitute the 53. The club also announced 16 signings to its practice squad as it eyes the Las Vegas opener.

With the 53-man slate finalized, New England will use the upcoming days to prepare for the season debut against the Raiders on Sept. 7. The practice squad additions fuel depth for Week 1, while the health status of Gonzalez will be watched closely for a cornerback group that could shape fantasy lineups.

Patriots finalize their 53-man roster with undrafted wideout Efton Chism III earning a spot after a productive preseason (12 receptions for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns). Chism signed in May for $259,000 guaranteed across a three-year, $2.99 million deal. Linebacker Elijah Ponder also landed a roster spot after his rookie free-agent stint in May. A wave of cuts followed, trimming NE’s depth at tight end, running back, offensive line, and defensive roles. Fantasy players should note Chism’s trajectory within Josh McDaniels’ offense as a potential late-season breakout.

Chism’s emergence stands out alongside Patriots’ roster decisions, including Ponder’s Cal Poly background and a departure list that included Gee Scott Jr., Terrell Jennings, Truman Jones, JaMycal Hasty, Cam Riley, Mehki Butler, Alec Lindstrom, Marcus Epps, CJ Dippre, John Jiles, Brandon Crossley, Parker Romo, Miles Battle, and Demontrey Jacobs. The moves signal NE is weighing speed, playmaking, and special-teams value as it contends for offensive balance in 2025.

Undrafted rookie Efton Chism III is drawing buzz in Patriots camp, with Julian Edelman saying Chism resembles Danny Amendola more than himself. Edelman praises Chism's route-running, quickness and growing strength, underscoring a potential slot role alongside Demario Douglas in a system famous for inside receivers.

Douglas is emerging as another slot option, keeping alive a Patriots tradition of quick, precise inside targets. Edelman’s take and Amendola’s Brady-era reliability frame a high-floor, slot-heavy path for both young receivers, making camp and preseason watchlists essential for fantasy managers tracking New England’s pass-game evolution.