Has Josh McDaniels found his next Julian Edelman and Wes Welker?
A completely overhauled offensive line and wide receiver room was just what the doctor ordered for a New England Patriots team that had arguably the worst protection and offensive weaponry in the entire league while having perhaps the most purely talented and athletic young quarterback in the league with Drake Maye.
However, veterans have made their way to Foxboro in the form of Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Morgan Moses, and Garrett Bradbury in hopes of providing new head coach Mike Vrabel with a real, professional offensive operation for the six-time Super Bowl champions. Couple that with the club opting to go all offense with their first four picks in OT, Will Campbell (#4), RB, TreVeyon Henderson (#38), WR, Kyle Williams (#69), and C/G, Jared Wilson (#95), the Patriots offense may very well go from one of the worst in the league to one of the most promising.
With money and high draft capital spent to sure up the offensive side of the ball, this off-season, could the diamond in the rough prove to come from the old school 'Patriot Way '?
Efton Chism, Preseason Week 2
— Zareh Kantzabedian (@ZKantzFF) August 10, 2025
Chism caught 5/8 targets for 50 yards and one TD, playing 90% of his snaps from the slot.
In college he averaged 2.31 yards per route run and had a 1st down per route run rate of 16 percent.
Chism has the profile to be late round dynasty gold. pic.twitter.com/i0Yds6s5eH
WR Efton Chism Could Be the Next Great Patriots Slot Receiver
After being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Patriots this past April, it didn't take long for Efton Chism to catch the eye of media members and fans attending training camp. The former Eastern Washington star could be the next off-the-radar receiver from his alma mater to find their way to stardom in the league. Former All-Pro wideout Cooper Kupp, and Chism's current teammate, Kendrick Bourne, have both had successful NFL careers following their time at Eastern Washington.
Upon his arrival in Foxboro, Chism immediately made an impact and found solid chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye, after earning some reps with Josh McDaniels' top offensive unit alongside Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas.
In the Patriots' dominant 48-18 opening preseason victory over the Washington Commanders, Chism led all receivers with six catches for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Following his impressive preseason debut, Chism has continued the momentum in earning himself a spot on Mike Vrabel's 53-man roster as he dominated the Patriots' joint practice against the Minnesota Vikings heading into the team's preseason game on Saturday afternoon.
Efton Chism creating seperation in 1v1s
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) August 13, 2025
The UDFA comes down with a tough catch with the defender right on his trail
-@CLNSMedia #Patriots #NFL pic.twitter.com/d1eha1N816
Another note in Chism's favor is that last year's second-round pick, Ja'Lynn Polk, continues to deal with nagging injuries on top of his lackluster play, while the aforementioned Kendrick Bourne has struggled to even find the field in practice.
With just Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and third-round pick Kyle Williams as the only receivers likely guaranteed to make the roster, Chism may be in the driver's seat over the likes of Javon Baker, Bourne, and Polk for New England's sixth receiver spot should the team opt to keep six wideouts on their initial 53-man roster.