Chism broke a few of Cooper Kupp’s Eastern Washington records.
The New England Patriots may have indeed found a hidden gem in Eastern Washington wide receiver Efton Chism III, signed as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) following the 2025 NFL Draft. Several factors suggest Chism could be a valuable addition to the team, though his ultimate impact remains speculative as he has yet to play in an NFL regular-season game.
Why Chism Could Be a Hidden Gem:
Impressive College Production: Chism had a record-breaking senior season at Eastern Washington in 2024, recording 120 receptions for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns, breaking Cooper Kupp’s single-season reception record at the school. His career totals of 346 receptions, 3,852 yards, and 37 touchdowns rank him among the top receivers in Eastern Washington history, showcasing his productivity at the FCS level.
Shrine Bowl Performance: Chism stood out at the 2025 Shrine Bowl, earning praise for his route-running, agility, and ability to create separation against defensive backs. His performance against higher-level competition highlighted his potential to translate his skills to the NFL. Posts on X also noted his ability to “leave DBs in the dust” during Shrine Bowl practices.
Fit in Patriots’ Offense: Chism’s skill set aligns well with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ system, which values agile, precise slot receivers. Analysts have compared Chism to former Patriots like Wes Welker and Julian Edelman, citing his 5-foot-10, 195-pound frame, quickness, and yards-after-catch ability. His route-running and high football IQ make him a potential fit for the slot role, a staple in McDaniels’ schemes.
Underrated Status: Despite his gaudy college stats, Chism went undrafted, possibly due to playing at the FCS level or his smaller stature. This allowed the Patriots to sign him as a priority UDFA, a move praised by analysts who viewed him as one of the most underrated receivers in the 2025 class. Some reports indicated Chism was a highly sought-after UDFA, with the Patriots frequently mentioned as a landing spot.
Roster Opportunity: The Patriots’ wide receiver room is crowded, with players like Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams, DeMario “Pop” Douglas, and Mack Hollins likely ahead on the depth chart. However, Chism’s versatility and special teams potential could help him secure a roster spot. Analysts suggest he could compete with veterans like Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Javon Baker for one of the final receiver spots, especially if he excels in training camp. Some early predictions on X even project Chism making the roster, potentially in a special teams role.
Cooper Kupp Connection: Chism has modeled his game after Eastern Washington alum and NFL All-Pro Cooper Kupp, and the comparison has been noted by scouts and analysts. While not at Kupp’s level, Chism’s similar build and playing style, combined with his record-breaking performance at the same school, add intrigue to his potential.
Challenges and Uncertainties:
Crowded Receiver Room: The Patriots have added significant talent to their receiving corps, including Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and third-round pick Kyle Williams, creating a “logjam” at the position. Chism will need to outperform established players or other UDFAs like DeMeer Blankumsee and Jeremiah Webb to earn a roster spot.
Transition to NFL: As an FCS player, Chism faces a steep jump in competition. While his Shrine Bowl performance was promising, sustaining that level against NFL defenses in training camp and preseason games will be critical. His smaller size may also limit his role to the slot, where he’ll need to prove his physicality against bigger defenders. Undrafted Status: Historically, UDFAs face long odds to make NFL rosters, let alone become impact players. While the Patriots have a history of finding gems like Welker and Edelman, Chism’s path to significant playing time is uncertain, especially in his rookie season.
Current Sentiment and Outlook:
Recent reports and posts on X reflect optimism about Chism’s potential. Analysts like Brian Hines of Pats Pulpit and fans on X have highlighted his Shrine Bowl highlights and fit with the Patriots, with some calling him a “bonafide missed tackle machine” and a “hidden gem.” Articles from sources like motorcyclesports.net and chowderandchampions.com project Chism as a potential steal, with the possibility of becoming a reliable slot receiver in the mold of past Patriots greats. However, these projections are speculative, as Chism has not yet competed in NFL training camp or preseason games.
Conclusion:
Efton Chism III has the production, skills, and fit to potentially be a hidden gem for the Patriots, particularly as a slot receiver in Josh McDaniels’ offense. His standout college career, Shrine Bowl performance, and comparisons to players like Cooper Kupp fuel optimism about his upside. However, his ability to secure a roster spot will depend on outperforming a deep receiver group and adapting to the NFL’s higher level of competition. While it’s too early to definitively call him a gem, the early buzz suggests he’s a player to watch during the Patriots’ 2025 training camp and preseason.