The Patriots' Latest Hidden Talent

The New England Patriots have long had a knack for unearthing hidden talent, and their latest project—undrafted rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III—could be the next diamond in the rough. Signed shortly after the NFLDraft-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>2025 NFL Draft, Chism is already turning heads with his polished route-running, reliable hands, and relentless work ethic. His style has drawn comparisons to Super Bowl champion Cooper Kupp, another Eastern Washington University standout.

A Record-Breaking Collegiate Career

Standing at 5-foot-10 and 193 pounds, Chism might not fit the prototypical NFL receiver mold, but his college résumé speaks for itself. At Eastern Washington, he shattered FCS records by catching at least one pass in 53 consecutive games—surpassing Kupp’s legendary mark. Over four seasons, he amassed 346 receptions for 3,852 yards and 37 touchdowns, often operating as a dynamic slot receiver with a knack for creating separation. Coaches praised his elite body control and ability to make contested catches, traits that translated to a 9.5-yard average per reception in 2022 alone.

The Patriots' Bold Bet on Potential

Chism signed one of the league’s most lucrative undrafted contracts: a three-year deal with $234,000 guaranteed and a $25,000 signing bonus. This reflects New England’s confidence in his upside. The decision to target him stemmed from offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ history of maximizing undersized receivers and head coach Mike Vrabel’s personal outreach, which reportedly "made a significant impact" on Chism’s choice to join the Patriots.

In Foxborough, Chism joins a revamped receiving corps led by Kendrick Bourne and JuJu Smith-Schuster. While he’ll face stiff competition for a roster spot, his familiarity with the Patriots’ playbook—honed through virtual workouts and Rookie Minicamp—has already earned him praise from coaches.

The Kupp Comparison: A Double-Edged Sword

The parallels to Kupp, a three-time All-Pro and Super Bowl MVP, are inevitable but also motivating. Like Kupp, Chism thrived in the Big Sky Conference, a proving ground for overlooked talents. However, he’s quick to downplay the comparison: "I’m just focused on earning my stripes here. Cooper’s a legend, but I want to carve my own path."

Eastern Washington head coach Aaron Best, who mentored both players, sees similar intangibles: "Efton has that same dog in him. He’s a gym rat, a film junkie, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder. Those are the traits that turn undrafted free agents into stars."

What’s Next for Chism?

With training camp looming, Chism’s journey will hinge on his ability to translate college success to the NFL. Patriots fans should watch for his performance in preseason games, where his route precision and special teams contributions could be decisive factors. If he makes the roster, he could become a vital piece in McDaniels’ scheme, providing depth and versatility behind the starters.

As the Patriots rebuild under Vrabel, Chism embodies the franchise’s ethos of valuing grit over pedigree. Whether he becomes the next Kupp or carves his own legacy, one thing is clear: Efton Chism III is a name NFL fans will soon learn to remember.