Efton Chism, a seventh-round pick from Eastern Washington, posted 12 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns in the preseason, averaging more than 10 yards per catch and showing yards-after-catch ability. The Josh McDaniels offense depends on strong inside-receiver play, and Chism's makeup and potential align with that role. Ja'Lynn Polk's season-ending shoulder surgery increased Chism's roster opportunity, and his second preseason game performance likely secured a spot. The Patriots have lacked consistent YAC production since Julian Edelman's retirement, and Chism offers the lunch-pail mentality and explosiveness that could complement players like TreVeyon Henderson and Stefon Diggs.
While it's difficult to put much stock into preseason stats, Chism's were impressive. He finished the exhibition season with 12 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns. While Chism is not Edelman, Wes Welker, or Danny Amendola, he has the makeup and potential to be a quality NFL slot receiver, especially in a Josh McDaniels offense that relies heavily on the performance of inside receivers.
While Henderson has the talent to be the biggest steal of the Patriots' rookie class, Wolf may have struck gold with Chism. His performance in the second preseason game likely sewed up a roster spot, and Ja'Lynn Polk's season-ending shoulder surgery affirmed that even more. Every quality NFL team needs the lunch-pail like guy with the chip on his shoulder, and that's the mindset that Chism has brought to the Patriots this preseason.
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