5 things to know about Patriots rookie receiver Efton Chism III
Chism is the only Patriots receiver with a touchdown catch this preseason. Here's what to know about him.
Through two preseason games, the Patriots’ most productive receiver has been an undrafted rookie from an FCS school.
Efton Chism III has both of the Patriots’ touchdown receptions, and he’s the only Patriots receiver with more than 100 yards thus far.
With teams scheduled to trim their rosters next week, the 5-foot-10, 198-pound Chism has put himself into the conversation about who will make the Patriots’ 53-man.
He’s not the biggest receiver the Patriots have or the fastest, but he has made plays and grabbed plenty of attention.
Here are five things to know about the 23-year-old slot receiver.
He set the FCS record for most consecutive games with a reception
Chism starred at Eastern Washington, where he was a first-team selection on the Associated Press’s FCS All-American team.
He finished second on the school’s all-time receptions list with 346 catches. He tallied 3,852 career receiving yards, which was good for third in school history.
He caught a pass in 53 straight games, the most in FCS history.
Chism is one of several Eastern Washington alums in the NFL, including Super Bowl LVI MVP Cooper Kupp and Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne.
His performances at the Hula Bowl and Shrine Bowl put him on Patriots’ radar
Patriots executive Eliot Wolf said “no one really guarded” Chism during the two college football all-star games he played in, which were the Hula Bowl and the East West Shrine Bowl.
“That’s when he came on my radar a little bit, our scouts obviously liked him as well, but I didn’t really watch him until after those all-star games. Definitely thought he was a draftable talent.
“Maybe [he] didn’t have the 40-yard dash that was applicable to get him drafted, but the game is played in between the white lines and he’s been a phenomenal worker. Everyone talks about how he’s an overachiever and this and that. I see that differently. I think he’s got tremendous football instincts. I think he’s tremendous at the top of the route, and his play strength for a shorter guy is very good.”
Drake Maye’s trust in him goes back to OTAs
Joshua Dobbs called Chism a “quarterback friendly target.”
Drake Maye expressed a similar notion back in June, mentioning the number of catches Chism made during the Patriots’ offseason workouts.
“Chis had about 50 catches, I feel like, in OTA,” Maye said, when asked about the rookies the Patriots added on offense. “So, these guys are just showing the work and showing up. I’ve been through it with the rookie — they’re here in some rookie meetings until 5 o’clock, some NFLPA meetings. So, they’ve got a lot on their plate, and I think they’re responding well.”
Chism’s work ethic and the trust he has developed with the quarterbacks stuck out to coach Mike Vrabel.
“I think he’s a talented player. I think he has a certain skill set,” Vrabel said. “He’s dedicated. He’s studied extremely hard. He has a good feel for what we’re asking him to do.”
Patriots’ past success with slot receivers helped convince him to sign with them
A long line of undersized slot receivers have found success in Josh McDaniels’s offense with the Patriots, including Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, and Danny Amendola.
During a recent interview with CLNS Media, Chism said the Patriots’ history of success with players at his position helped the team stand out when he was looking at options as an undrafted free-agent.
“That definitely played a role in my decision to come here, but I think just being a Patriot, the history behind the Patriots, and the legacy that they have as a team was big to me,” Chism said. “Trying to get that legacy back, which as a group I feel like we’re trying to do. I love coach McDaniels, he puts me in situations to make plays which I try to go out there and do to the best of my ability.”
Scott Zolak said Chism has done enough to make the Patriots’ 53-man roster
Chism’s touchdown catch against the Vikings, during which he danced past four defenders and fought his way into the endzone, was a highlight-reel play.
It drew a strong reaction from former Patriots quarerback-turned-broadcaster Scott Zolak, who was calling the game on TV with Devin and Jason McCourty.
“He just made the football team, guys,” Zolak said as Chism crossed the goal line. “I’m sorry, but he just made the football team right there.”
There’s still a preseason game left to be played and a few more practices before the team will make cuts.
But, the rookie receiver appears to have put himself in a position to be taken seriously when the decisions are made.
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