Undrafted rookie Efton Chism III joined the New England Patriots as a long-shot roster hopeful, and in a matter of months, he proved himself worthy of a main roster spot for a team that carried 12 wide receivers at one point.
The former Eastern Washington standout flew so far under the radar that few even looked in his direction. That obviously changed the moment his feet touched grass on an NFL practice field. His play started to do the talking, and heads began to turn.
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In two preseason game appearances, Chism led the Patriots in receptions and receiving yards. His best performance came against the Minnesota Vikings, when he racked up six receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown. By that point, it was clear that the Patriots would have to be asleep at the wheel to deny Chism a roster spot.
In the latest episode of Forged in Foxborough, the Patriots revealed the moment executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf told Chism he made the team.
“I was sitting down, and I was getting a little bit of butterflies and then he told me I made the team,” said Chism. “A huge blessing, huge honor, I’m so thankful for the opportunity from the Patriots organization, and I’m so excited just to get to work.”
Chism could eventually work his way into having a role on offense given the uncertainty at the wide receiver position.
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There are no true standouts at the position for New England, outside of Stefon Diggs, who is an aging receiver coming off a torn ACL injury. Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and rookie Kyle Williams all have opportunities to grow as well.
Yet, there is something familiar about the way Chism plays the game. It’s eerily reminiscent of Patriots legends Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. That’s obviously not an outright comparison, but it’s enough to generate excitement for Chism’s potential.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Viral video shows moment Patriots WR Efton Chism learned he made team