Who Should I Start? Xavier Gipson or Efton Chism III

Saturday, June 14, 1:31 PM

New York Jets former undrafted wide receiver Xavier Gipson has been a non-contributor as a wide receiver on offense despite fighting his way onto the active roster in his first year in the NFL and then scoring a game-winning, punt-return touchdown in his first game in 2023. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt write that Gipson's roster spot is in jeopardy heading into training camp with undrafted rookie wideout Jamaal Pritchett pushing him. The 24-year-old is currently the front-runner to be New York's punt returner, but it's not a lock. He caught 21 of 38 targets for 229 yards and no touchdowns on offense in 2023 but regressed last year and caught just six passes for 39 yards and a TD in 17 games (no starts). Gipson isn't anywhere near the fantasy radar heading into the 2025 season.

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.