The 2025 New England Patriots 53-man roster has been set - for now. Additions and subtractions can still be made at any time and are to be expected if the waiver wire or trades make better players available. The Patriots' roster is clearly an unfinished product.
Regardless, Mike Vrabel has done a masterful job in one offseason in taking a doormat of the AFC East and the entire NFL and transforming it into a team that may contend for a playoff berth. Yet, a lot has to go right for that to happen, especially avoiding a plethora of catastrophic injuries. Vrabel's biggest problem at present is a lack of depth. There is none.
While that's the sightline from 10,000 feet, closer to the ground, there is good news. Vrabel has upped the quality of his starters on both sides of the ball by leaps and bounds. Both staring units are miles ahead of the 2024 versions.
One area that has received a significant infusion of talent is wide receiver, and one unexpected gem is going to be a difference-maker: Efton Chism III.
Patriots continue to find gems in undrafted free agency
For a team that has drafted miserably for years and bungled free agency a lot, as well, it's been a nice contrast over the years to see the Patriots actually strike gold in one unlikely area: undrafted free agency (UDFA). They've found gems there, including David Andrews, Malcolm Butler, Jonathan Jones, Jacobi Meyers, Brenden Schooler, and perhaps their all-time best, kicker Adam Vinatieri.
Continuing that positive trend, two 2025 UDFA's made the team. One is edge, Elijah Ponder. The other is a player who's expected to make a significant impact in the new and improved Patriots offense, wide receiver Efton Chism III. He was injured in a preseason game, but will hopefully be ready to go against the Raiders on September 7.
Any time a UDFA makes an NFL roster, it's a bit surprising. Yet, in Chism's case, it's not at all shocking. The Eastern Washington product was a pass-catching machine in 2024. He caught a monstrous 120 passes for 1311 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Eagles. Those numbers gained him an unusual guaranteed contract from Mike Vrabel's Patriots. They won't regret that investment.
For a team that in 2024 had few players who could get open at all, Chism was a great signing from the outset. There was little doubt in some quarters that he'd make the team, and he has shown in the pre-season games that he can carry his prolific college production into the pros. He's a major find for Mike Vrabel, and he wisely kept him around. Expect big things immediately if he's on the field.
Chism's comps are lofty, and his production will be, too
Efton Chism III has been compared to some notable Patriots' slot receivers of the past. One is the outstanding clutch receiver, Danny Amendola, and the other was even better. He's a soon-to-be inducted Patriots' Hall of Famer and should-be Pro Football Hall of Famer, as well, Julian Edelman. It's Edelman who's the closest comparison for Chism. If it sounds like high praise, it's intended.
Chism is of similar size to Edelman, and he does exactly what Julian did best: get open and make things happen after the catch. Those abilities were on full display in the two preseason games he played. He caught 12 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns before getting dinged up against the Vikings. Hopefully, he'll be ready to go and be deployed to help beat the Raiders on September 7.
The Patriots under Mike Vrabel did some nice scouting to land Chism in undrafted free agency. It continued a trend of solid decision-making by Vrabel all offseason. Expect Chism to perform well if healthy and used regularly by Josh McDaniels, catching around 65-70 passes for 750 -800 yards and 5-7 touchdowns. It's what he does: produce.
The 2025 Patriots have a top young quarterback in Drake Maye. They also have an improved offensive line to help give him time to hit open receivers. Maye will find an open receiver, and Efton Chism III will get open. Expect Chism to be one of, if not Maye's very favorite receivers. It's a match made in Foxborough to gain yards and score points. And that's exactly what they'll do.