Patriots Player Spotlight: Efton Chism III’s Rise from Undrafted to 53-Man Roster

Joseph McLaughlin
Sep 5
3 min read

Photo Caption: New England Patriots Receiver Efton Chism III celebrates his touchdown in the second quarter of New England’s second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, MN, on August 16, 2025. Photo Credit: Brad Rempel/Imagn Images via Sports Illustrated.

Foxborough, Mass. - As the New England Patriots narrowed their roster to 53 players, Receiver Efton Chism III awaited anxiously for the result. Chism, an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington University, signed with the Patriots on May 9 with hopes of breaking into professional football.

His dream came true on August 26 as he was included in the final 53-man roster.

“Huge blessing. Huge honor. I’m so thankful just for the opportunity from the Patriots organization, and I am so excited to get to work,” said Chism with emotion on the Patriots’ behind-the-scenes television installment: Forged in Foxborough.

It was a spot well earned as Chism led all Patriots receivers with 12 receptions on 14 targets for 121 yards and two touchdowns in two preseason games.

He especially shined on August 16 against the Minnesota Vikings where on one play, he shed four Vikings defenders before a dive to the endzone that put the Pats ahead 14-0 at the time.

His hard work caught the attention of both Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel and Executive VP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf, who decided that they could not pass up the opportunity on the Eastern Washington product.

Now the question for Patriots fans is this: What can they expect from Chism in this upcoming season? Chism found himself in a room of a staggering eight wide receivers on the final 53-man roster, which has now been cut down to six after the recent releases of receivers Kendrick Bourne and Javon Baker.

Chism will have to compete with names such as Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas, and fellow rookie Kyle Williams for playing time this season. With his grit and proven play-making ability, he could easily fit into a dynamic offense led by Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels.

Chism’s versatility makes him extremely useful not only for the offense, but also as a potential addition to the special teams unit on the kick return team. His potential role has already drawn parallels to former Patriots star Julian Edelman, who scored a punt return touchdown in his first preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 13, 2009.

Chism also told reporters that he had been watching film of another Patriots star, Danny Amendola, taking inspiration from his route running and cuts during his time in Josh McDaniels’ offense.

Could this be the next incarnation of a star Patriots slot-receiver? It is still too early to say, but Chism’s humble origins, work ethic, talent, and proven play-making ability could be a recipe for a key piece in the 2025 Patriots offense.

Chism could get his first chance in the regular season this Sunday as the Patriots host the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium at 1:00 p.m.. From anxiously awaiting his fate on cutdown day to having a chance to suit up this Sunday against the Raiders, Efton Chism III’s NFL journey is just beginning, and Patriots fans might want to remember the name.