The New England Patriots are betting on an undrafted rookie to help transform their struggling offense.
After finishing 4-13 in Drake Maye’s rookie season, the franchise overhauled its receiving corps by signing veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins and drafting Kyle Williams in the third round.
But the biggest surprise of training camp might be a player who wasn’t even drafted.
Eastern Washington’s Efton Chism III Emerges as Patriots’ Top Undrafted Find
Efton Chism III came from a small FCS school with eye-popping numbers. The Eastern Washington receiver caught 120 passes for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns in his final college season. Those stats would typically warrant draft consideration, but Chism’s 5’10”, 198-pound frame and 4.71-second 40-yard dash scared teams away.
The Patriots saw something different. They signed Chism as an undrafted free agent, and he’s been turning heads ever since.
During the Patriots’ offseason programs, Chism has consistently performed with the second and third teams while earning occasional reps with starting quarterback Drake Maye. His reliability caught the quarterback’s attention quickly.
A feel for WR Efton Chism III and his route-running during positional work in the red zone. https://t.co/itFrTSZh2P pic.twitter.com/dMlyI6PiLS
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 9, 2025
“The undrafted free agent from Eastern Washington quickly earned the trust of his quarterbacks, with Drake Maye remarking, ‘Chis had like 50 catches in OTAs,'” ESPN’s Mike Reiss wrote about the rookie.
Chism has also contributed on special teams during minicamp, showing the versatility that coaches value in roster-bubble players. When veteran Kendrick Bourne missed practice, Chism stepped into his slot role and led the team in receptions that day.
Why Chism’s Skillset Fits the Patriots’ Offensive Plans
What Chism lacks in straight-line speed, he compensates for with elite agility. His 6.77-second three-cone drill placed him in the 79th percentile, while his 4.06-second short shuttle ranked in the 87th percentile. These numbers translate directly to his effectiveness in the slot, where quick cuts and spatial awareness matter more than raw speed.
“Among the things that stood out most while watching the 5-foot-10, 198-pound Chism work in the slot were his spatial awareness, quickness, and sure hands,” Reiss noted. “The Patriots have 12 receivers on the roster and are likely to keep six, with Chism making an early statement that he could be in the mix for one of the final spots.”
Chism excels at running in-breaking routes where his acceleration helps him create separation from defenders. While his speed limitations mean he won’t stretch the field vertically, his ability to win in tight spaces and secure contested catches makes him valuable in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
The Patriots have a history of finding productive undrafted receivers. Julian Edelman, Wes Welker (acquired via trade after going undrafted), and Jakobi Meyers all carved out significant roles after arriving without draft fanfare. Chism’s reliable hands and route-running precision suggest he could follow a similar path.
With training camp approaching, Chism faces an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster. But his “50ish” catches during OTAs and consistent performance have already made him impossible to ignore. For a team looking to support its young quarterback with dependable targets, the undrafted rookie from Eastern Washington might be exactly what New England needs.