There should always be, in early August in the NFL, a steadfast resistance to overreaction. Training camp can sometimes seem to send the stock of players on wild swings, but in the end, water tends to reach its level. A guy who grabs attention in August is often invisible in October. This is true, of course, of the Patriots.
(Remember Malik Cunningham?)
Still, anyone who watched the Patriots’ preseason opener against the Commanders would have to come away with the impression that two young wide receivers had put themselves into contention for spots on the 53-man roster, in a room that is as crowded as any on the team.
That was undrafted slot receiver Efton Chism and forgotten 2024 fourth-round pick Javon Baker. Each impressed for different reasons on Friday night. But since that game, each was rewarded with a training-camp promotion–they were working out with the starters.
Efton Chism Led All Receivers in Preseason Opener
Chism was productive in the passing game on Friday. He won’t displace Pop Douglas, who has had a stellar camp, as the top slot man in the passing game, but with the way offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels likes to use his receivers, there could be room for both guys on this team.
USA Today’s Patriots Wire noted:
“Chism is looking to build off his stellar performance in last Friday’s preseason opener against the Washington Commanders. He led the team with six catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. The undrafted rookie followed that performance up with a play-of-the-day catch at Sunday’s practice.”
Javon Baker Earning Special-Teams Spot
Baker was called out–in a good way, finally–by coach Mike Vrabel after the preseason game for the pair of tackles he made as a gunner in punt coverage. He, too, was rewarded with some run with the 1s, and though consistency might be an issue, Baker has a penchant for circus catches.
The talent is obvious, even though Baker went through last season with just one catch for 12 yards.
Baker may need to excel in special teams to secure his roster spot, but he said he is willing.
“If they put me out there and if they say go to special teams, go to kicker, whatever — I’m gonna do what they want me to do,” Baker said.
Patriots to Keep 7 Wide Receivers?
Interesting to note that the play of Chism and Baker could have an impact on the final 53-man. Team insider Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston constructed a potential Patriots group and included a whopping seven receivers in order to make room for Chism and Baker.
Most teams carry six receivers, max. Some carry five. Seven is … a lot. But the fear is that if New England tries to sneak Chism or Baker to the practice squad, another team will claim them.
Perry said Baker’s play in special teams could be his ticket to the roster, but that’s not all. “Baker also might be the third “X” receiver behind Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams, but he makes this list thanks to his kicking-game potential,” he wrote.
“Chism, meanwhile, provides real quicker-than-fast slot-option depth behind Douglas. Chism also chipped in on special teams Friday with an 11-yard punt return and could back up Marcus Jones there. … The Patriots may need to keep him on the active roster to protect him from being scooped up by another club.”
