Undrafted Rookie Sensation Sticks With Patriots

The New England Patriots have rewarded wide receiver Efton Chism with a roster spot.

The undrafted rookie found out his fate just hours before Tuesday’s cutdown deadline when executive Eliot Wolf delivered the news in Foxborough, according to Nicole Yang of the Boston Globe.

Chism, who signed with the team in May after finishing his career at Eastern Washington, quickly reached out to family and coaches to share the moment.

His path to the roster was built on steady preseason play. He caught six passes for 71 yards in New England’s second exhibition game and routinely impressed during practices with his consistency.

Teammates took notice as well. Wideout DeMario Douglas said he could tell Chism had earned his place because of the way he performed daily, according to Yang.

While his summer included missed time due to injury, Chism’s return to practice this week confirmed he is ready for the regular season. He admitted the absence was frustrating, but said the focus now is staying available and helping the team. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye even nicknamed him the “No. 1 treatment guy” because of his dedication to recovery, according to Yang.

Chism’s extra hours in the playbook have also been praised by veterans like Mack Hollins and by coaches across the staff. He leaned on flash cards and late-night study sessions to master the offense, according to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. That showed a work ethic that set him apart.

Now settled into a crowded receiver room with Stefon Diggs, Hollins, Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kyle Williams, Chism knows his role may be limited early. Still, his approach and attitude won him a place on the 53-man roster.

For an undrafted player out of the Big Sky, the accomplishment is significant.
And for Chism, the work is only beginning.