Have the New England Patriots found their next rising star?
New England’s 2025 experience is only comprised of two preseason games thus far, but undrafted rookie wideout Efton Chism III has been one of the standout performers for the Patriots in both contests.
The Eastern Washington alum caught six passes for 71 yards and a touchdown in preseason Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, building on his production from Week 1 against the Washington Commanders: six catches, 50 yards and a TD.
It’s impossible not to notice Chism at this point, whether you’re viewing the game as a fan or a statistician. The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed reported on Monday that Chism’s preseason excellence has garnered the rookie an elite ranking by Pro Football Focus.
“Patriots UDFA WR Efton Chism ranks first among all WRs in PFF’s preseason receiving grade (84.6),” Kyed wrote. “Min. 7 targets.”
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There’s other, less positive Chism news to report, as well.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Chism didn’t practice on Monday due to a foot/ankle injury.
“(Chism) didn’t practice after having his foot/ankle looked at Saturday by athletic trainers following his catch-and-run touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings,” Reiss wrote on Monday. “He rode the stationary bike rather rigorously today. Based on that eye test, seems like a shorter-term absence in play.”
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It doesn’t sound like Chism’s injury is serious, nor that it will impact his chances of making the Patriots’ 53-man roster.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has lauded Chism’s effort in recent days, and it’s widely assumed that the 23-year-old receiver will be a part of New England’s receiving corps when the Patriots open up their regular season slate at home against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 7.
