Pats Pulpit
The UDFA was one of the team’s most productive receivers this spring.
When New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel first addressed his team this spring , his message was clear: “We don’t care how you got here.”
Throughout the team’s offseason program, that message has especially rung true for wide receiver Efton Chism III.
Despite a highly productive collegiate career in the FCS at Eastern Washington — where Chism broke Cooper Kupp’s record by tallying a catch in 53 straight games — the receiver went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft with his collegiate competition level and 4.71-second 40-yard dash hurting his stock.
But interest in the shifty receiver remained as a handful of teams lined up for his services in undrafted free agency. That included the Patriots, who outbid the competition with a deal that featured $234,000 in guaranteed base salary, along with a $25,000 signing bonus.
It was the richest deal among the Patriots’ 16-member undrafted class and even tops the team’s seventh-round draft picks in guaranteed money.
“I loved my process with Coach Downing, Coach McDaniels, and Coach Vrabel,” said Chism. “They made it feel like they wanted me throughout the whole process, so I’d say that was probably the biggest thing.”
Beyond the connection made with the staff and guarantees committed, the allure of the franchise — and history of similar receivers under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels — led Chism to making the cross-country trip to Foxboro to continue his football career.
“Just the history of being a Patriot. When you look at the Patriots, it’s one of the best and most known sports franchises in the world,” he said. “So when you get to represent something special like that, I think it was an honor.”
Since arriving to New England in late April, Chism has gotten to work watching the likes of Julian Edelman, Wes Welker, Danny Amendola and other former Patriot slot receivers. The similarities are easy to see for the 5-foot-10 receiver who posted elite testing numbers in the short shuttle and three-cone drill prior to the draft.
That was just part of the work this spring as Chism looked to start building his path toward a 53-man roster spot.
Following spring practices, Chism was consistently the last player off the field as he stays to work the JUGS machines. He also has had plenty of early morning flashcard work in order to help learn and adapt to a McDaniels’ offense that has been tough on young receivers in the past.
“It’s been awesome just getting to learn a NFL offense, especially his because it’s such a special and unique thing. Coach McDaniels is a highly respected OC, so I’m trying to do everything I can to learn it the best I can and adapt to it and go out there and play 100 percent,” Chism said. “Just grinding it. I’m here late, I’m up early, doing it all—looking at flashcards. I’m a big flashcards guy.
“There's complex ones, simple ones. I’ve...
