Latest news with #Chism
USA Today
04-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Unexpected rookie WR named as Patriots' surprise player in offseason
Undrafted rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III was named the biggest surprise player for the New England Patriots in the 2025 offseason, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. A recent ESPN article compiled every surprise player for all 32 teams, and the former Eastern Washington standout was chosen for the Patriots. Chism somehow flew under the radar in the 2025 NFL draft, despite the fact that he racked up 120 receptions for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns in his final college season. He broke Super Bowl LVI MVP Cooper Kupp's single-season receptions record, along with Kupp's record for most consecutive games with a reception (53). Reiss wrote: "Among the things that stood out most while watching the 5-foot-10, 198-pound Chism work in the slot were his spatial awareness, quickness and sure hands. Specifically, in one practice when veteran Kendrick Bourne wasn't present, Chism stepped into his role and led the team in catches that day. The Patriots have 12 receivers on the roster and are likely to keep six, with Chism making an early statement that he could be in the mix for one of the final spots." Chism looked like an early candidate to earn a roster spot, but nothing is set in stone until he practices in pads during training camp. That will give a better sense of where he's at in comparison to the other 11 receivers currently on the roster. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
USA Today
02-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Patriots promising undrafted rookie receiver's workout turns heads
New England Patriots undrafted rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III has fans talking once again after his recent workout video dropped on social media. Chism made a lot of noise over the spring with his exceptional footwork and route-running skills. He looked like an early surprise candidate to make the Patriots' 53-man roster. The video showed off his footwork and speed under longtime coach Michael Bumpus, who has worked with him since he was in the sixth grade. Chism has similarities in his game as past Patriots slot receivers, like Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. 'Come get some work with the GOAT. Wouldn't be where I'm at without him. All love Coach," Chism said in a response to the video post from his coach. The video turned heads on social media. Chism finished out his college career at Eastern Washington by breaking former Super Bowl LVI MVP Cooper Kupp's single-season receptions record. He also broke Kupp's record for consecutive games with a reception (53). The Patriots might have found a gem, and they didn't even need to spend a draft pick to get him. Chism's story has been both inspiring and a testament to the hard work that both he and his coach have put in over the years. It could lead to him becoming a roster mainstay in New England. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
USA Today
30-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
10 NFL undrafted free agents who could make initial 53-man rosters as rookies
Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports called Project: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps. By definition, undrafted free agents might seem like an afterthought to most after being repeatedly passed over. But that's hardly the case for NFL teams. To fully capitalize on months of extensive scouting work, front offices extend their personnel push well beyond the seven rounds of each draft. The work begins immediately as franchises flock to sign undrafted free agents, often ponying up significant sums of guaranteed money just to get what amounts to a first look at players. Many of those who latch on with teams during this portion of the process will end up on practice squads, operating in a sort of football purgatory as teams monitor their development. But that designation leaves them open to being signed away by competitors willing to put them on their active roster, so any organization worried about its promising young talent being poached must tread carefully. And with no shortage of recent success stories from the undrafted ranks – including Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker, who nearly matched the rookie yardage output of first-round teammate Xavier Legette, and Los Angeles Rams linebacker Omar Speights, who started 10 games in 2024 – coaching staffs have plenty of reason to keep an eye out for unlikely early contributors. With training camps set to start up next month, here are 10 undrafted free agents who this year have a chance to make the initial 53-man roster for their respective teams: Efton Chism III, WR, New England Patriots With New England having centered its draft on an all-out effort to support second-year quarterback Drake Maye, it seemed inevitable that an offensive newcomer would set himself apart during offseason workouts. Yet rather than first-round offensive tackle Will Campbell, second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson or third-round wideout Kyle Williams, it was a little-known slot receiver from Eastern Washington who created as big of a buzz as anyone. Chism, who broke Cooper Kupp's school single-season record for catches with 120 last year, quickly became a favorite of Maye, who estimated he found the 5-10, 195-pound target for "like 50 catches" in organized team activities. That only means so much prior to the start of training camp, but it unquestionably highlighted Chism's potential value given the Patriots' mandate on putting the 2024 No. 3 overall pick in more favorable spots after a rookie year rife with challenges. "I think he's a talented player. I think he has a certain skill set. He's dedicated. He's studied extremely hard," Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said in June. "He has a good feel for what we're asking him to do. I think the biggest thing for receivers is that there's trust from the guy that throws the football. "When you earn the quarterback's trust ... it doesn't take you long to figure out who the quarterback trusts. It's the ones they target. That's a good indicator." Chism's appeal as a safety valve in a Josh McDaniels-helmed system known for creating opportunities for slot receivers should be readily evident. But Demario Douglas looks to be entrenched in that role for the near future, and securing a spot on the roster might entail leapfrogging several more high-profile pass catchers in Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte and Javon Baker. If Chism continues to make his mark in a more competitive setting throughout the summer, however, he could be too promising to part with. Cobee Bryant, CB, Atlanta Falcons After placing a premium on jolting its pass rush with first-rounders Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., the Falcons then shifted their focus toward reshaping their secondary with second-round safety Xavier Watts and third-round nickel Billy Bowman Jr. But the work might not have ended there. Atlanta also added Bryant, a three-time first-team All-Big 12 selection who notched 13 career interceptions at Kansas. His 180-pound frame will need to be filled out for him to hold up against NFL receivers, particularly given his hyperphysical style that could leave him prone to plenty of penalties. But his consistently elevated aggressiveness serves him well in other phases of his game, and the Falcons' cornerback depth is relatively limited. Wide receiver Nick Nash and offensive guard Joshua Gray also have a solid shot at sticking around. Jared Ivey, DE, Seattle Seahawks On first blush, the Seahawks' edge rush might seem to be too deep to lend itself to an undrafted player latching on, with free-agent signee DeMarcus Lawrence and Boye Mafe being backed by Uchenna Nwosu and 2023 second-round pick Derick Hall. But Mike Macdonald's complex scheme demands a lot from its pass rushers, and Seattle could use some short-term insurance given Lawrence and Nwosu combined to play in just 10 games last season due to injuries. Ivey lacks the explosiveness of a typical developmental edge threat, but his versatility and skill set should endear him to Macdonald. Isaiah Neyor, WR, San Francisco 49ers With Brandon Aiyuk seemingly on track to start the year on the physically unable to perform list as he continues to recover from torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments, the 49ers' outlook at receiver is far from settled. But that dynamic could open up an opportunity for Neyor, a 6-4, 218-pound speedster who drew a rave initial review from six-time Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle. "He was running a route and he got like 9 1/2 yards in two strides," said Kittle on a June appearance on the "Bussin with the Boys" podcast. "I was like, 'Holy (expletive).' It was insane. We watched it like 10 times in the tight end room. We were like, 'How is he doing this?'" Neyor first broke out at Wyoming in 2021 by averaging nearly 20 yards per catch and hauling in 12 touchdowns. But after tearing his ACL at Texas and only posting modest production last year at Nebraska, he still lacks a handle on the finer points of the position. Still, Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch might be reticent to allow other teams to swoop in, and Neyor might be able to earn a spot on the initial roster if he can beat out seventh-round selection Junior Bergen. Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Green Bay Packers A three-year starter on Georgia's star-studded defense, Stackhouse doesn't offer the flashy athletic traits of former teammates like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis or even Warren Brinson, whom the Packers selected in the sixth round in April. But the 6-4, 327-pounder eats up space in the run game and routinely blows up blocks. With T.J. Slaton's departure leaving a void for that role on an interior line group otherwise built on penetrating, Stackhouse can carve out a fairly straightforward niche despite his playmaking limitations. Andrew Armstrong, WR, Miami Dolphins The Dolphins' draft class was defined by a dedication to fortifying its fronts, with the team's first three selections coming along the offensive and defensive lines. But that approach, combined with Miami's Day 3 strategy, left the organization to look towards the undrafted free agent ranks to address a receiving corps that looks dangerously thin behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and free-agent signing Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Of the four first-year wideouts added after the draft, Armstrong looks to be the best bet to crack the roster. The 6-4, 202-pounder can add a different flavor to Mike McDaniel's aerial attack by providing Tua Tagovailoa with a possession receiver who can thrive in contested-catch scenarios. Tight end Jalin Conyers also could push for a spot, especially with Jonnu Smith's contract standoff yet to produce a resolution. Seth McLaughlin, C, Cincinnati Bengals A torn Achilles suffered last November no doubt weighed down the draft stock of McLaughlin, who was a fixture for Alabama's front before transferring to Ohio State and winning the Rimington Trophy last year. If not for the ailment, the 6-4, 304-pounder would have had a strong chance to be selected given his track record as a heady blocker capable of compensating for his pedestrian frame and athleticism. On a Bengals line that has struggled to afford Joe Burrow with any steady protection, McLaughlin could be an intriguing understudy to Ted Karras, though he'll have to 2024 seventh-round pick Matt Lee for the role. An undrafted free agent could also claim a job on the other side of the ball, as defensive tackles Howard Cross III – who played under new Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden at Notre Dame – and Eric Gregory will try to make a push at a spot where Cincinnati has long underperformed. Ben Chukwuma, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Anyone guessing who landed the highest guaranteed payout among undrafted free agents probably wouldn't land on an offensive tackle from Georgia State who started for a little more than one season and didn't earn all-conference honors. Nevertheless, it was Chukwuma who stood above all his peers after netting $300,000 from the Buccaneers, according to multiple reports. The 6-6, 310-pound blocker, who moved to Georgia from Nigeria when he was 17, only began playing football after attending a walk-on tryout at Georgia State. Having paid a hefty sum to secure his services, the Buccaneers' brain trust clearly is interested in what it can make of Chukwuma and his tools. Jah Joyner, DE, Las Vegas Raiders Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce give the Silver and Black a solid foundation for a unit otherwise seemingly devoid of building blocks. Behind them, however, there's little certainty. Neither first-round disappointment Tyree Wilson nor Charles Snowden have provided much of a spark, even in backup roles. Joyner might not push either for a spot on the second string, but his tenacity could make him a solid rotational piece. Da'Quan Felton, WR, New York Giants Any question about the Giants' satisfaction with their wide receiver depth after the draft was quickly answered by the team signing five undrafted players at the position. Of those brought on, Felton might be the most fascinating - and have the best chance of securing a backup job. The 6-5, 213-pound target sizes up as a natural partner for Russell Wilson given his knack for hauling in contested catches downfield. With few other big bodies in New York's receiving corps, Felton could hold down a unique role while becoming a more precise route runner and eliminating the drops that have long plagued him. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
Boston Globe
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
In a crowded Patriots wide receiver room, does undrafted free agent Efton Chism have a realistic shot to make the team?
During spring workouts, Chism flashed a aggressiveness in drills in attacking the football, was able to get separation on a consistent basis, and didn't look overwhelmed during 11-on-11 work, earning reps with the No. 1 offense. Add in what appears to be dependable hands, some excellent shiftiness, and special teams value (he saw action as a returner), and it's easy to see why the Patriots made him one of their highest-paid UDFAs. 'I just think coming with the mind-set of, 'Nothing's guaranteed. Nobody owes me anything,' ' Chism said. 'I'm trying to take advantage of every opportunity I get. If that's a scout-team rep or if that's a special-teams rep, whatever it is. And building the QB's trust where they want to throw me the ball.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up One of the things that impressed coach Mike Vrabel was Chism's early commitment to building trust with Maye and the rest of the quarterbacks. That was evident in one OTA session in which Chism caught all seven passes thrown in his direction. Advertisement 'I think he's a talented player,' Vrabel said. 'He's dedicated. He's studied extremely hard. He has a good feel for what we're asking him to do. 'I think the biggest thing for receivers is that there's trust from the guy that throws the football. When you earn the quarterback's trust — any one of them that we have, any one of the three — it doesn't take you long to figure out who the quarterback trusts. It's the ones they target. That's a good indicator.' Advertisement Chism finished with 346 catches for 3,852 yards and 37 touchdowns in five years at Eastern Washington. He was an an AP All-American and Big Sky first-teamer as a senior. Eastern Washington coach Aaron Best said Chism is one of those prospects you need to watch on a daily basis to truly appreciate, pointing to his dependability. 'He's as consistent as he can be. You know exactly what you're going to get,' Best said. 'He's down to earth, humble, and very self-aware. He's confident, not cocky, and has an ego but isn't arrogant. He knows he's talented but also knows he needs to work hard to make the most of his talents.' Eastern Washington coach Aaron Best said "I'll put my money on Efton" Chism making it in the NFL. Josh Geci Given his résumé and FCS background, it's easy to draw comparison between Chism and Cooper Kupp, another former Eastern Washington standout. Chism broke several school records held by Kupp, including receptions in a season (120). While being cautious in his comparison — Kupp is a Super Bowl MVP and has 891 catches in the NFL — Best acknowledged the similarities. 'Efton is going to run the route he needs to run at the speed he's going to run at every time. I compared him to Cooper in that style, very much the same way,' Best said. 'You kind of marvel at the fact that they took every rep like they were in a game. They studied everybody else but themselves. They didn't watch their one-on-ones. To pick up little tips and nuances, they went through 100 reps of someone else, trying to learn things. That's what the greatest do. Advertisement 'But really, they have very similar traits. They're both humble and appreciative of the opportunity. Coop came back for his last year, and Efton stayed here and probably decided to forgo some NIL money elsewhere. They were both very loyal to their peers.' Efton Chism, with family and friends on senior day, finished with 346 catches for 3,852 yards and 37 touchdowns in five years at Eastern Washington. Braeden Harlow All this begs the question: Why was Chism available as an undrafted free agent? He's considered slightly undersized, and he doesn't have the physical tools other receivers possess. To that point, Best suggested Chism's biggest challenge in the NFL, might come in facing man coverage. 'He didn't get pressed much in the slot,' Best said. 'There's just not a ton of that in college in the Big Sky Conference. He would be playing against a nickel corner in the slot. How consistently can he get open in the slot position with a guy in his face … that may be a different animal at the NFL level, with teams playing press like they do. 'But I'll put money on Efton.' Chism still faces plenty of obstacles on the road to a spot on the 53-man roster, but he's going to lean on the sort of motivational techniques that have already defined his football journey. 'I think there's a bunch of little things — taken from an FCS school, not getting drafted — I'm always going to bring up myself for motivation,' he said. 'But at the end of the day, it's just opportunity. And Coach Vrabel said, 'Don't care how you got here. It's opportunity now.' So I'm excited.' Advertisement Christopher Price can be reached at
USA Today
17-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former NFL player says Patriots undrafted WR plays like Julian Edelman
Former NFL player says Patriots undrafted WR plays like Julian Edelman New England Patriots undrafted rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III has been getting plenty of praise for his practice sessions during minicamp and OTAs. Now, that attention is extending outward with a national analyst and former NFL player, Brian Baldinger, recognizing Chism's talent as well. Baldinger highlighted and broke down college football footage of Chism in action. The undrafted rookie broke Super Bowl LVI MVP Cooper Kupp's record with 120 receptions at Eastern Washington for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also led the FCS with 10 catches per game and ultimately earned first-team FCS All-American honors. The Patriots have a long history of finding great slot receivers, including Wes Welker and Julian Edelman. Could Chism be their next great find? "This guy is turning heads in Foxborough. I don't know if he's Julian Edelman. I don't know if he's Wes Welker," said Baldinger. "But he sure plays the game like those guys did, in the way that those guys played. They might have a slot receiver coming out of Eastern Washington, undrafted free agent." It remains to be seen how the wideout's skill level translates to live game action at the NFL level. Keep in mind that all of the practices throughout the spring were non-padded workout sessions. The Patriots will get a better sense of Chism's true potential when the pads come on and the intensity ramps up at training camp. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
