The New England Patriots have a strong recent history of slot receivers.
The names Julian Edelman, Wes Welker and even Danny Amendola mean a lot to Pats fans.
They may have found their next unheralded wideout to take on that role.
His name is Efton Chism III, and he's taking inspiration from those who came before him. The undrafted rookie was asked specifically about that trio at minicamp this week.
“Just see how they did it and try to develop that into my game," Chism told Brian Hines of Pats Pulpit. "I love the way they get open versus man and obviously they feel zones very well.”
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The 5-foot-10 Chism played his college ball at Eastern Washington.
In 2024, he had a ridiculous 120 catches for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns.
He doesn't need to be a star right away. The Pats have Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins as free agent additions, along with third-round rookie Kyle Williams. They also have returners DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and even Kendrick Bourne.
But Chism knows how to get open and catch the football, and that's really the whole name of the game.
If he can build a good rapport with Drake Maye over the summer, Chism will have a chance to stick around.
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