Has Josh McDaniels Found His Next Edelman and Welker?
A bold offseason plan to completely overhaul the New England Patriots’ offense is drawing attention. The thinking: fix the protection with an updated offensive line and inject new life into the pass game by adding veterans at wide receiver and shoring up the line with high-upside youngsters. The idea centers on giving a younger, athletic quarterback—fantasy scout chatter has floated Drake Maye in this role—the staff a real chance to re-create a dynamic, professional operation in Foxboro after a season typing up one of the league’s least efficient offenses.
The table is set with veterans potentially joining the mix. Reports have circulated that Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Morgan Moses, and Garrett Bradbury could migrate to New England, giving coach Mike Vrabel—per the speculative scenario in circulation—a sturdier backbone for the unit. The plan is to lean into offense in this draft and free-agent period, with the Patriots selecting a heavy OT-to-QB—Will Campbell at pick 4, TreVeyon Henderson at 38, Kyle Williams at 69, and Jared Wilson at 95—building a faster, more physical group up front to unlock playmaking in the receiving corps.
Which player could emerge as a difference-maker in this revamped system? Enter Efton Chism, an undrafted free agent who arrived in Foxboro this spring and quickly drew attention for his alignment with Drake Maye and the first-team offense during spring and preseason sessions. In preseason Week 2 against the Washington Commanders, Chism was the standout target, catching six passes for 50 yards and finding the end zone. His blend of route-running efficiency and playmaking ability has already sparked chatter that he could become a trusted slot option and push for a regular role.
Chism’s college metrics point to a project with ceiling. He posted 2.31 yards per route run and a 16 percent first-down-per-route-run rate, figures that hint at reliable separation and sustained productivity—traits coveted in a modern offense. That profile, paired with solid chemistry with Maye and the chance to run with the top unit in camp, has him trending as a potential late-round dynasty gem.
Injuries and competition at the receiver position add another layer to the storyline. Last year’s second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk has dealt with injuries, and Kendrick Bourne’s practice presence hasn’t always translated to on-field opportunities. With Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Hollins, and the rookie Williams seen as the most likely to make the initial 53-man roster, Chism’s path to a six-receiver cap space is a fertile topic of debate, especially if Polk and Bourne aren’t fully integrated come the regular season.
Key takeaways
– A goal to transform a previously underperforming offense into a high-powered unit this season is the driving force behind the personnel shuffle.
– Efton Chism’s preseason performances and his college efficiency metrics have him in the conversation as a potential late-round breakout slot receiver.
– The roster competition for the final receiver spots could hinge on health and practice performance, with Chism presenting a compelling case to win a spot.
– The success of this plan hinges on the quarterback play and the line’s ability to protect and sustain wide receivers’ routes.
Possible implications
– If the offensive overhaul hits, the Patriots could provide a confident, varied passing attack with big-play potential from multiple receivers and a steady run game to support play-action.
– Chism’s breakout at the NFL level would underscore a broader theme: shoring up the offensive pipeline with cost-effective, high-upside talent can yield significant returns.
– The scenario relies on a cohesive pairing between Maye at quarterback, the revamped line, and a grouping of pass catchers who can exploit improved protection and more varied looks.
Summary of the outlook
The Patriots are exploring a bold retooling to reassert themselves offensively, with Chism emerging as a standout UDFA capable of contributing as a slot receiver and kickoff catalyst in a multi-faceted passing game. If the veterans align, the young core grows, and the offensive line steadies protection, this approach could deliver a much more dangerous unit than last season.
A hopeful note
There’s reason for optimism: a well-constructed offense with strong protection, diverse receiving options, and a capable quarterback can transform a team’s ceiling. If Efton Chism and the rest of the new pieces click, the Patriots could reestablish a dynamic, disciplined attack that harkens back to the “Patriot Way” while still embracing modern speed and versatility.