The hype around the New England Patriots' changes this offseason has been palpable, and one undrafted rookie is a big part of that excitement. Efton Chism III, a 23-year-old out of Eastern Washington, signed with the Patriots this offseason.
Chism has been the talk of the offseason in Foxborough, known for his sure hands and talent as a route runner. His former head coach at Monroe High School, Michael Bumpus, spoke to WEEI 93.7 FM's Meghan Ottolini about Chism.
Chism grew up in a small town outside of Seattle, Washington, called Monroe. That is where Bumpus, who played for the Seattle Seahawks for one season, began training Chism in the sixth grade. He knows the young wideout better than anyone else.
“The Patriots would be freaking silly not to put this kid on the 53-man [roster]," Bumpus said.
New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III (86) reacts to beating wide receiver Javon Baker (6) in a drill during minicamp at Gillette Stadium.
So why was Chism an undrafted free agent? Well, he quite literally did not "measure up" to what teams were looking for.
Chism ran a 4.71s 40-yard dash and measured at just 5'10", 195lbs at the NFL combine.
But like Bumpus, NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein also saw something in the wideout while scouting him before the NFL Draft.
"The real eye-opener is Chism’s blend of play strength and competitiveness. He can make the first tackler miss and will do whatever it takes to pick up yardage," Zierlein said.
The biggest obstacles in the way of Chism's road to the 53-man roster are recent draftees like Kyle Williams, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and Javon Baker. Add in free agent signings like Stefon Diggs, Kendrick Bourne, and Mack Hollins, and the outlook is even tougher for Chism.
That list totals seven wide receivers potentially ahead of Chism, but there is a shot he could knock off one or two of those guys. The wideout will likely have to prove himself during training camp and preseason, possibly on special teams, to make the 53-man roster.
