When it comes to finding slot receivers, the Patriots certainly have a type–undersized, overlooked jitterbugs who have a knack for finding open space in a defense. While the credit for the long line of such players mostly goes to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the Patriots had a pretty good one even before he arrived, in 5-foot-10 former eighth-round draft pick Troy Brown out of Marshall.
But there was Wes Welker, too, at 5-foot-9, undrafted and underused by the Chargers and Dolphins before coming to the Patriots. There was, of course, Julian Edelman, a seventh-rounder from Kent, who went on to become one of the most beloved players in team history.
Now comes Efton Chism, 5-foot-10 and undrafted, too, out of Eastern Washington. He has been the star of the Patriots’ spring, dazzling with his hands, his ability to get open and, of course, with the similarity of his pedigree to so many great players from the team’s recent past.
And he’s embracing that.
Efton Chism Watching Film
Here’s what Chism had to say about the comparison to the likes of Edelman, Welker and others from Patriots lore:
“I broke a lot of it down, that’s another one of my goals coming up these next couple of weeks when we’ve got some time off, just go through a bunch of seasons, watch a bunch of games, see how they did it. It’s pretty much the same offense, a lot of the same stuff, so just see how they did it and try to develop that in my game.
“I love the way they get open vs. man (coverage). And also, they feel zones very well, I think that’s very special with all of them, seeing when they sit, when they run, certain things like that. But I mean, in this league, especially coming form the FCS, people are going to say the man coverage is going to be the biggest part of it, getting open. So just seeing what they did and take that.”
Patriots Crowded at WR
Now, to be clear, the Patriots have a crowd in the wide-receiver room. But Chism is increasingly looking like a guy who will warrant a spot.
Chism was an All-American last year, catching 120 passes (breaking Cooper Kupp’s school record) for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games. He was in the Big Sky Conference, but still, the numbers are undeniable. He has a bit of resentment over not being drafted, but he appreciates that he has landed in an ideal spot.
“I think every kid’s dream is to get drafted,” Chism said. “But it is what it is. I’m here now, I got the opportunity and I am just thankful and blessed for it. I am looking forward to it. I think there’s a bunch of little things taken from an FCS, not getting drafted, that I am always going to bring up myself as motivation.
“But at the end of the day, I’m going to keep coming back to, it’s just opportunity. Coach (Mike) Vrabel said, he doesn’t care how you got here, it’s the opportunity to be here.”
