Patriots ‘Preseason Legend’ Compared To Three Former Pats

The New England Patriots have a history of finding hidden gems. 

Overlooked players like Julian Edelman became Super Bowl heroes while wearing a New England uniform. And while former head coach Bill Belichick was a huge reason for the Patriots’ propensity to turn no-names into Hall of Fame candidates, Belichick’s former player, Mike Vrabel, might be looking to do some of the same at the helm.

The most recent under-the-radar name to watch for Vrabel and the Patriots is undrafted rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III. The Ringer’s Bill Simmons delighted Patriots fans with a post on Saturday about Chism.

“Efton Chism is becoming a Pats preseason legend,” Simmons wrote. “He’s like if (Wes) Welker, Edelman, and (Deion) Branch were all rolled into one.”

While Simmons’ post may have turned heads, Chism’s play in preseason (12 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns) has already attracted that attention.

Against the Washington Commanders, Chism led the team with six catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. He delivered again in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, with six catches for 71 yards and an 11-yard touchdown where he fought through six defenders.

So … who is this guy? 

Chism played five years of college football at Eastern Washington University, the alma mater of Cooper Kupp. Last season, Chism broke Kupp’s school record for receptions in a season (114) by hauling in 120 receptions for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns. Still, Chism went undrafted. He signed with the Patriots on May 9.

Chism’s unknown status and blue-collar mentality provide a stark contrast in New England’s WR room to the huge personality of Stefon Diggs.

In a perfect world for second-year quarterback Drake Maye, both Diggs and Chism will be potent weapons in 2025.