New England Patriots - NESN.com
Efton Chism III has caught his coach’s attention.
The New England Patriots rookie receiver, who received one of the richest deals given to an undrafted player, reportedly has performed well this spring. A product of Eastern Washington, Chism has media members feeling as if he could earn a roster spot at the end of the training camp.
Recent sentiments from Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will fuel the fire.
“I think he’s a talented player,” Vrabel told reporters at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, per a team-provided video. “I think he has a certain skillset. He’s dedicated. He’s studied extremely hard. He has a good feel for what we’re asking him to do.”
Chism apparently has formed a quick connection with Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, as well. Maye praised the undrafted pass-catcher and told reporters it felt like Chism had 50 catches during organized team activities.
Their connection has stood out to Vrabel.
“The biggest thing for receivers is that there’s trust from the guy that throws him the football,” Vrabel said. “When you can earn the quarterback’s trust — any one of them that we have, any one of the three — it doesn’t take you long to figure out who the quarterback trusts. It’s the ones they target. That’s a good indicator.”
Chism and the Patriots will depart Foxboro, Mass., after mandatory minicamp concludes Wednesday. Players will have six weeks off before reporting to training camp July 22.
That’s when Chism, specifically, will try to build on his connection with Maye in his pursuit of a roster spot.
