Analyst Reveals Which Two Patriots WR's Are Competing For Final Roster Spot

Analyst Reveals Which Two Patriots WR's Are Competing For Final Roster Spot originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots will have some intriguing roster battles to watch ahead of OTAs and training camp.

One position group to watch will be at wide receiver, especially if the Patriots do trade for A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles on June 1 as it’s been widely speculated. If New England adds Brown, it will make the battle for roster spots even tougher.

With that, Patriots.com analyst Evan Lazar believes the roster battle will come down to DeMario Douglas and Eaton Chism III for the final roster spot.

“Hollins's comfort level with Maye, coupled with his versatility and willingness to do the dirty work in the run game, makes him a valuable piece,” Lazar wrote in an article published on Monday. “Plus, as a third-round pick in the 2025 draft, it would be premature to give up on Williams. 

“Therefore, the battle for the last roster spot could come down to Douglas and Chism. Although they both play slot receiver, Douglas wins more down the field, while Chism profiles as more of a quick-hitting underneath receiver. The battle between Chism and Douglas could tell us where the Patriots are trending with the slot role in their offense.”

Douglas and Chism could both be potential trade assets for a late-round pick, instead of just being cut.

Last season, Douglas recorded 31 receptions for 447 yards and three touchdowns in his third season in New England after being a sixth-round pick in 2023. Chism, meanwhile, was an undrafted free agent and recorded just three receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown last season.

After signing Romeo Doubs and potentially trading for Brown, the Patriots' wide receiver room is solid, which will make it tough for some players to crack the 53-man roster.

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