On April 27, 2025, just after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots stunned football fans by announcing the signing of Efton Chism III, an undrafted free agent (UDFA) wide receiver (WR) from Eastern Washington University. With an impressive college career at the FCS level and high praise from Pro Football Focus (PFF), Chism is being hailed as a “hidden gem” with the potential to become a key contributor to a Patriots team in the midst of a rebuild.
A Journey from Eastern Washington to Foxborough
Efton Chism III, standing at 5’10” and weighing 195 pounds, was not a household name among NFL fans before the draft. However, he left an indelible mark at Eastern Washington, where he broke the single-season reception record of NFL legend Cooper Kupp with 120 catches, amassing 1,311 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns in the 2024 season. Over his four-year college career with the Eagles, Chism recorded 341 receptions, 3,795 yards, and 37 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the premier slot receivers in FCS football.
Chism’s performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl in early 2025 further solidified his reputation. With smooth route-running and exceptional yards after catch (YAC) ability, he was rated by PFF as the top slot receiver among draft-eligible prospects for 2025. Shockingly, Chism went undrafted through all seven rounds, paving the way for the Patriots to swiftly sign him as a UDFA.
Compared to Julian Edelman: Pressure or Motivation?
One of the most intriguing aspects of Chism’s story is the comparison to Julian Edelman, a Patriots legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate. Both players share similar builds (Chism at 5’10”, ~195 pounds; Edelman at 5’10”, ~200 pounds) and excel in the slot receiver role, which demands agility, football IQ, and the ability to gain yards after the catch. However, unlike Edelman, who transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver upon entering the NFL, Chism brings extensive experience as a wide receiver from his college days, giving him a stronger technical foundation as he steps into the professional ranks.
That said, this comparison also places significant pressure on Chism. Edelman is not only a Patriots icon but also a Super Bowl hero known for clutch performances. Can Chism follow in his footsteps, or will the weight of expectations prove too heavy? His performance in training camp and preseason games will provide the answer.
A Golden Opportunity in the Patriots’ Roster
The Patriots’ wide receiver room is currently in a state of flux, featuring a mix of veterans like Stefon Diggs and Kendrick Bourne alongside young talents such as Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. However, the unit lacks consistency, particularly at the slot receiver position, where Chism could shine. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who is renowned for utilizing slot receivers like Wes Welker and Edelman in his schemes, Chism has a prime opportunity to prove his worth.
PFF has also praised the Patriots for building a strong offensive line to protect their quarterback, creating favorable conditions for receivers like Chism to exploit open spaces. With young quarterback Drake Maye developing as the team’s franchise signal-caller, Chism could emerge as a reliable target in short-yardage or third-down situations, leveraging his YAC skills to extend drives.
The Patriots’ UDFA Tradition: Who Could Chism Become?
The Patriots have long been celebrated for their ability to identify and develop undrafted free agents into cornerstone players. David Andrews, the veteran center and team captain, Malcolm Butler, the Super Bowl XLIX hero, and Jonathan Jones, a top-tier cornerback, all began their careers as UDFAs. More recently, Dell Pettus earned a spot on the 2024 53-man roster through a similar path.
Under Mike Vrabel’s leadership, the Patriots continue to embrace their “opportunity for all” philosophy, regardless of a player’s draft status. With 10 open spots on the 90-man roster post-draft in 2025, Chism is one of 17 UDFAs signed by the team, and he is considered one of the most promising among them.
Chism’s Future: Star or Just a Hopeful?
Efton Chism III’s story embodies the underdog spirit of the NFL, where overlooked talents can rise to prominence with the right opportunity. However, the road ahead for Chism is far from easy. He will face fierce competition in training camp to secure a spot on the 53-man roster, going up against established wide receivers and highly touted draft picks. The pressure of being compared to Edelman and the expectations from Patriots fans will also test his resilience.
Nevertheless, with top-tier YAC ability, a proven college track record, and the backing of the Patriots’ coaching staff, Chism has all the tools to make an impact. If he seizes his chance, he could not only become a successful UDFA but also a vital piece of the Patriots’ rebuilding puzzle under Vrabel and Maye.
Patriots fans are eagerly awaiting whether Chism can become the next Julian Edelman. His journey is just beginning, and all eyes will be on Foxborough in the months ahead.
Chism’s comp couldn’t be any better for the Patriots offense
If you’re looking for a receiving comp the past two decades or so for New England, two players stand out among several others. They’re the 6’4″ Hall-of-Famer, Randy Moss, to whom Chism wouldn’t be compared, and one other guy. That would be the ultra-competitive, uber-achieving, tough-as-nails competitor in a smaller body named Julian Edelman.
Like Edelman, Chism is 5’11” tall and weighs about 200 pounds. The physical similarities are striking. Yet, while Edeman played QB in college, Chism has already made his mark as a receiver. The learning curve will be shorter. If the Eastern Washington product can approximate what future Patriots’ and should-be Pro Football Hall of Famer Edelman did, it will be an amazing deja vu.
So as PFF notes, expect that when Chism brings in a catch, he’ll advance it upfield, better than any other slot receiver (where he’ll play) who was draftable in 2024 did. It’s a big plus when moving the chains. The Pats’ wide receiver room is in transition. It’s a wide-open competition. Expect Chism to contend for a place on the 53-man roster and oust underperformers with higher profiles. It’s what this young man does.