Context:

Efton Chism III, a rookie wide receiver, has been signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft, with hopes of becoming their next hidden talent. Chism, who stands at 5-foot-10 and weighs 193 pounds, is an Eastern Washington University alum known for breaking Cooper Kupp's FCS record by catching a pass in 53 consecutive games. Throughout his college career, he amassed 346 receptions for 3,852 yards and 37 touchdowns, primarily playing from the slot position. The Patriots offered him one of the largest undrafted deals in the league, including a three-year contract with $234,000 guaranteed and a $25,000 signing bonus, partly because of competition from the Denver Broncos. Despite not being the biggest, fastest, or strongest, Chism's commitment and determination have been praised by his college coach, Aaron Best, highlighting his potential to succeed in a crowded Patriots receiving corps.

Dive Deeper:

• Efton Chism III joined the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft, aiming to follow in the footsteps of previous unheralded success stories within the team.

• Chism, a 5-foot-10, 193-pound receiver from Eastern Washington University, set a record by catching a pass in 53 consecutive games, surpassing Cooper Kupp's previous FCS record.

• In college, Chism recorded impressive statistics with 346 catches, 3,852 yards, and 37 touchdowns, primarily excelling in the slot receiver role.

• The Patriots secured Chism with a lucrative undrafted free agent contract, including $234,000 guaranteed and a $25,000 signing bonus, due to interest from the Denver Broncos.

• EWU coach Aaron Best highlighted Chism's exceptional commitment and determination, traits that helped him overcome a lack of high school recruitment to thrive in college football.

• Chism faces the challenge of breaking into a crowded Patriots receiving lineup, but his skills and work ethic offer promising potential.

• The signing reflects the Patriots' strategic approach to finding and nurturing under-the-radar talents who can significantly contribute to the team.

• You very likely have never heard of Efton Chism III.

• That's OK. The New England Patriots plan to change that.

• The Pats signed Chism as an undrafted free agent soon after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft, and now he's trying to become New England's latest unheralded gem.

• Chism is a 5-foot-10, 193-pound receiver out of Eastern Washington. He broke Cooper Kupp's FCS record by catching a pass in 53 consecutive games.

• In his EWU career, Chism had 346 catches for 3,852 yards and 37 TDs, usually operating out of the slot.

• Chism signed one of the league's biggest undrafted deals, a three-year contract with $234,000 in guaranteed base salary along with a $25,000 signing bonus, according to ESPN.

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• ESPN reports that the money was so high because the Broncos also were in a heated race to sign Chism.

• "Efton is not the biggest," EWU coach Aaron Best told ESPN. He's not the fastest. He's not the strongest. But I will say he's most committed -- his Valentine is bigger than most people. His care of his teammates is bigger than most people. When you have a chip on your shoulder, that's real and you carry it for life. That's what he did in high school to get to college. He wasn't a highly recruited kid out of high school. No FBS offers, much like Coop. It didn't define him. It determined him. He just needed a chance. He got it here at a school he loved and he thrived in every aspect."

• Chism has to make his way into a crowded receiving corps, but he's got the skills to do it.

• The Pats may have just found another diamond in the rough.

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