Courtesy of the New England Patriots
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – As the New England Patriots continue their Organized Team Activities (OTAs), an unheralded rookie wide receiver is quickly making a name for himself. Efton Chism III, an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington, has turned heads at OTA’s, drawing significant attention for his quickness, elite change-of-direction ability, and reliable hands.
Chism, who was the highest-paid undrafted free agent signed by the Patriots this offseason, has been a consistent standout during practice sessions. Chism has been a favorite target for all the quarterbacks, including Drake Maye and Josh Dobbs. In Monday’s practice, he caught all seven of his targets, showcasing a level of consistency that has impressed coaches and teammates alike.
What sets Chism apart, despite lacking elite top-end speed (he ran a 4.71-second 40-yard dash), is his exceptional agility and footwork. He routinely creates separation from defenders, even when defenses are keying on him. His ability to decelerate rapidly and cut on a dime is drawing comparisons to former slot specialists Wes Welker and Julian Edelman. Chism has consistently shown he can shake defenders and create space for himself.
Chism’s collegiate career at Eastern Washington was remarkably productive, where he led the FCS in receptions with 120 and finished second in receiving yards with 1,311 in his final season. He also set a school record for single-season receptions, surpassing a mark previously held by NFL Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp. His film and metrics from college highlight elite hands, with a low drop rate (2.4%) and a high contested catch percentage (58%), traits that have translated directly to the practice field in New England.
Beyond his receiving prowess, Chism also brings special teams experience, having averaged 21 yards per kickoff return and served as a punt returner in college. This versatility further enhances his value to the Patriots, a team that often prioritizes players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game.
It is still early in the offseason, but Chism’s strong performances in OTAs are proof that the Patriots may have found a hidden gem. His consistent production, natural slot fit, and ability to make tough catches in traffic position him as a player to watch closely as training camp approaches. Even if he doesn’t immediately crack the final roster, his early impression indicates he won’t be on the market for long if the Patriots are forced to make a difficult decision.