The New England Patriots will have some tough decisions to make after the final preseason game to shrink the roster down to 53 players.
Wide receiver is one of the positions that has drawn lots of attention in New England, and former quarterback-turned-broadcaster Scott Zolak believes the team should take a chance on undrafted receiver Efton Chism III.
"He just made the football team, guys," Zolak said as Chism scored a touchdown in New England's preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. "I'm sorry, but he just made the football team right there."
Through the first two preseason games, Chism has recorded 12 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns. He's made more of his opportunities over receivers such as Ja'Lynn Polk and Kendrick Bourne.
Chism has received high praise from head coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye.
"I think he's a talented player. I think he has a certain skill set," Vrabel told Khari A. Thompson of Boston.com. "He's dedicated. He's studied extremely hard. He has a good feel for what we're asking him to do."
Maye was similarly high on Chism.
"Chis had about 50 catches, I feel like, in OTA," Maye told reporters, when asked about the rookies the Patriots added on offense. "So, these guys are just showing the work and showing up. I've been through it with the rookie - they're here in some rookie meetings until 5 o'clock, some NFLPA meetings. So, they've got a lot on their plate, and I think they're responding well."
It would be very difficult at this point for Vrabel to not give Chism a chance. He is very likely to be claimed by another team if the Patriots try to place him on the practice squad, so New England will have a tough decision to make.
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