Patriots Executive Shares Perspective On ‘Draftable’ Efton Chism III

New England Patriots rookie Efton Chism III stands with 12 receptions, 121 yards and two touchdowns through two preseason games. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Eliot Wolf was in the room as the New England Patriots made 11 selections during the 2025 NFL draft.

The executive vice president of player personnel knows that a wide receiver out of Eastern Washington wasn’t one of them.

But Efton Chism III has separated himself since agreeing to terms as a rookie free agent in April. And prior to then as an Associated Press first-team FCS All-American out of the Big Sky Conference.

“Efton’s a guy who went to two All-Star games,” Wolf told reporters prior to Monday’s training camp practice outside Gillette Stadium. “He went to the Hula Bowl and then the East-West, and no one really guarded him at either. That’s when he came on my radar a little bit.”

Chism finished his Eastern Washington career with 346 receptions for 3,852 yards and 37 touchdowns. The 5-foot-10, 198-pound slot broke the school record with 120 catches last fall and appeared in 53 games in all.

“Our scouts obviously liked him, as well, but I didn’t watch him until after those All-Star games and definitely thought he was a draftable talent,” Wolf said. “Maybe didn’t have the 40-yard dash that was applicable to get him drafted, but you know, the game is played between the white lines and he’s been a phenomenal worker.”

Chism was timed running the 40 in 4.71 seconds at his pro day. He clocked the three-cone drill in 6.77 seconds and the short shuttle in 4.06 seconds. That agility testing placed among the elite in terms of Relative Athletic Score.

It’s part of what has translated in August. No member of the preseason roster has been targeted more through two games. And after leading the way for wide receivers coach Todd Downing’s depth chart with six catches, 50 yards and a touchdown against the Washington Commanders, it was more of the same against the Minnesota Vikings.

Last Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium saw Chism find open space early and often with the second offense. It also saw the 23-year-old break multiple tackles and find the end zone again.

All six throws that veteran backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs sent his direction were caught. Those throws became 71 yards by halftime.

New England’s final scoring drive going into intermission featured four completions to Chism, with three arriving on third down.

“Everyone talks about how he’s been an overachiever and this and that. I see that differently,” added Wolf. “I think he’s got tremendous football instincts. I think he’s tremendous at the top of the route. And his play strength for a shorter guy is very good. So, we’re excited about what he can bring to our team.”