Patriots OTAs Have Given Birth to a Future Slot Receiver Legend in UDFA Efton Chism

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There's something deep in the human psyche that finds a hero with a humble origin story compelling. Sure, history has been shaped by men like Hannibal or Alexander who were sons of great kings and raised like veal calves to go out and literally conquer the world. But the stories that really resonate are the heroes who are the opposite of that. Who come from nothing but leave their mark. Frodo Baggins. Luke Skywalker. Harry Potter. Tom Brady. Note that the most revered figure in the Old Testament was found floating down the Nile in a basket and the one from the New Testament was born in a barn. We're wired to be drawn to such people. 

And while Tom Brady is the best such example in Patriots history, he's by no means the only one. Troy Brown was drafted so late, the round he was selected in no longer exists. Wes Welker went undrafted and was a part timer in Miami for three seasons. Julian Edelman was a 7th round quarterback out of Kent State. The current head coach was a part time depth guy for Dick LeBeau in Pittsburgh. These are just some of the best examples of the philosophy that Mike Vrabel great and that he's talked about since he got the job: "It doesn't matter how you got here." 

Which brings us to undrafted free agent wide receiver Efton Chism III. More than any other player in OTAs, he's established himself as the guy with the chance to become that legend with the humble beginning. The archetype Joseph Campbell was referring to in the title of his work, The Hero With a Thousand Faces that inspired George Lucas to create Star Wars.

The Pats signed Chism out of Eastern Washington, where he led the FCS with 120 receptions for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns. And by all accounts, he's been absolutely making his mark in practices so far. We're not even into the second week in June, and already there's talk he's carved out a roster spot:

He's getting open and catching everything in full squad drills at a time in the offseason when the defense is almost always dominant:

It would appear he's making a move up the depth chart, practicing with the 1st unit now:

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People are revisiting their questions about his 40-time and re-comparing him to Edelman on all his other measurables. Favorably:

Chism III (2025): 

40-Yard-Dash: 4.71 

3-Cone: 6.77 Short Shuttle: 4.04 

10-Yard Split: 1.62 

Edelman (2009): 

40-Yard-Dash: 4.52 

3-Cone: 6.62 

Short Shuttle: 3.92 

10-Yard Split: 1.52

His college film is getting more looks:

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And he's getting positive attention from his veteran teammates, presumptive WR1 Stefon Diggs:

… and last year's No. 1 slot option Demario Douglas:

And let's not overlook my coworker who's forgotten more about evaluating football talent than any of us will ever know, loves him:

As I've said dozens, scored, hundreds of times before, I've been burned in this area. I've had my heartbroken so many times by receivers I'd put my faith in, that I'm not sure I can ever put it back together. I'm not sure I could ever learn to love again. 

But that was then. This is the Patriots Summer of Hope. (I like that branding better than using the word "Optimism." It rolls off the keyboard more and sounds like the tour of a non-threatening, family-friendly Prog Rock band.) A wide receiver room that we've started to call "crowded" thanks to Diggs, Douglas, Bourne, Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte (maybe) and possibly even Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker who need to make huge Year 2 jumps, is getting even more crowded-er thanks to Chism instantly impressing everyone. 

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If true, this is no small thing. Josh McDaniels' offense has always run through these short area quickness types of guys. Both in the slot where Chism will no doubt line up, as well as a passing down-type running back, which they hopefully have in TreVeyon Hendrickson. Those are the guys who draw attention away from the tight ends and X-receivers, and create space for everyone. Both positions have either been lacking or non-existent for the past five seasons. And if Chism can live up to anywhere close to the praise he's receiving, than the past glory of 2001-19 is not at all out of the realm. 

Let the Efton Chism Hype Train leave the station and get it up to full throttle.