Who Should I Start? Chris Blair or Efton Chism III

Sunday, August 18, 2:24 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Blair finished with 91 receiving yards and four catches on five targets in a 13-12 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. The former XFL star stepped things up in preseason Week 2, doubling his yards and targets from preseason Week 1. He remains low on the totem pole with the depth the Falcons currently have at wideout. Still, in the two games he's played this preseason, he's been impressive with six catches and 136 receiving yards on eight targets while averaging about 22 yards per reception. Look for Blair to keep trying to climb the depth chart next week when the Falcons take on the Jaguars on Friday.

Tuesday, June 17, 2:22 PM

New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III is flashing during offseason practices, and Chad Graff of The Athletic identified him as one of the top risers and standouts for the organization so far. "It's not hyperbole to say that no player did more to improve his standing on the depth chart than Efton Chism," Graff said. The undrafted rookie out of Eastern Washington had a dominant final collegiate season, snagging 120 passes for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns. Given the lack of wide receiver talent for New England, he has a realistic shot to make the team's 53-man roster, though he'd likely be the No. 2 slot receiver behind DeMario Douglas. Either way, head coach Mike Vrabel calling him a "talented player" and noticing that he has "studied extremely hard" could go a long way toward his chances to earn a roster spot. He is already mixing in with Drake Maye and the first-team offense.