The New England Patriots have started the preseason 2-0. More importantly, the new young pieces have shone bright. TreVeyon Henderson and Will Campbell have put together highlight reels in their limited snaps together. But it is the undrafted rookie free agent, Efton Chism III, who has stole the hearts of Foxboro Faithful.
In yesterday’s contest against the Minnesota Vikings it was his touchdown, the second in two weeks, that convinced former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak that Chism would make the team.
““He just made the football team, guys,” Scott Zolak exclaimed on the broadcast. “He made four guys miss. He squeezed through two [Vikings defenders].”
“Whether it’s six or seven [wide receivers], this kid’s on it.”
ESPN’s Mike Reiss has seen enough to roster the UDFA as well.
“Efton Chism III (Eastern Washington) might have solidified his spot on the roster with six catches for 71 yards and a touchdown in the first half,” Reiss writes. “The TD was a 12-yard catch-and-run on third-and-9 in which he evaded and/or broke tackles from six defenders.”
Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf Speak On Rookie
The WBZ-TV broadcast was lucky enough to hear from both the executive vice president of player personnel, Eliot Wolf, and the head coach, Mike Vrabel, during Saturday’s broadcast. Chism’s name was raised during both interviews and both members of the Patriots staff had positive things to say.
“From Day 1, it’s been consistency,” Wolf told the booth. “He’s really been a hard worker. He’s put in the time. He’s in there every day with wide receivers coach Todd Downing at 5 o’clock in the morning. The fruits of his labor are paying off here.”
Vrabel was his usual stoic self when speaking on the rookie.
“I think everyone’s here for a reason,” Vrabel said when asked if Chism caught him by surprise. “He’s certainly made the most of his opportunities. His play strength really shows up.”
How Does This Affect The Rest Of The Receiving Room
The conversation around the Patriots receiving room started with which of the second year players, Ja’Lynn Polk or Javon Baker, would round out the active roster. Since Chism has shown the fan base what he’s capable of, the conversation has shifted to whether or not the team can afford to keep seven receivers.
My opinion since day one has been that this team needs seven receivers. Chism and Kendrick Bourne get the nod, Polk gets traded, and Baker gets released. However, ESPN’s Mike Reiss isn’t sure that the Pats will even go that far.
“The Patriots project to have Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas as their starting receivers, with Mack Hollins and 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams also locks as complementary options,” Reiss writes. “So Chism has essentially forced the team’s hand to keep six receivers and maybe even a seventh.”
I don’t know how their can be a seat for either of the year two guys, I just can’t see it. In their rookie seasons, Polk made 12 catches on 33 targets for less than 100 yards. And Baker made just one single catch.
They’re remnants from a different era in New England and with the talent on the current roster, all parties would be better off by going in a different direction.
Bourne is the longest tenured Patriot on the offense, so his experience and savviness might earn him a spot.
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