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.
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