Somewhere Wes Welker is smiling and somewhere Julian Edelman is grinning as New England Patriots fans are buzzing over undrafted rookie free agent Efton Chism III.
Underrated and overlooked, this Eastern Washington product was a pre-2025 NFL Draft favorite at NFL Mocks as a player our own John Blair scouted as a playmaker who is “excellent at breaking down routes, allowing him to create separation despite lacking elite speed.”
In every way, Chism III has been doing that throughout training camp and through the first two games of the preseason. As the star performer in the team’s 20-12 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, Blair’s assessment of Chism played out in just one play.
Take a look:
Chism with 6 to put the Pats up!
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 16, 2025
📺: WBZ pic.twitter.com/zWsWVls2E4
The 12-yard touchdown pass from QB Joshua Dobbs was an exclamation point to a overall performance in which Chism III led the team with 6 receptions for 71 yards. It was the second consecutive week the undrafted rookie led the team in receiving yards and probably the biggest statement that this man belongs on the 53-man roster.
The next undrafted, late-round success story in New England?
In mentioning Welker, who was undrafted and Edelman who was a seventh-round pick, we also must mention Troy Brown as slot receivers who made a name for themselves in New England. Is Chism III next on that list?
With his toughness, quickness and ability to just make people miss, Chism III is a reminder of each of those players and the type of player who can help a quarterback like Drake Maye in the short-to-immediate passing game. As a player who just keeps “showing up”, Chism III has made an impression on Maye as a football player who is doing what is necessary to keep growing.
“He knows what to do. He’s staying late with veterans, and asking me, ‘Hey, what are you doing on this route?’” May said following the win. “He just wants it. I think that’s the biggest thing he’s showing and it’s paying off.”
It should pay off in Chism III earning a roster spot as it looks like the Patriots will carry six wide receivers. If he somehow doesn’t make the roster, it will be a shock throughout Patriots nation as it is doubtful he would make it to the practice squad, especially with what other NFL teams are seeing on tape.
The Efton Chism hype is real in Foxborough!