NE Efton Chism III
Wide Receiver, New England Patriots. 2025 draft pick (college: Texas A&M).
Quick Facts
- Position: WR
- Current team: New England Patriots (NE)
- Draft: 2025
- Natural position: Slot receiver
2026 Outlook
Chism is in his second year with the Patriots, working to expand beyond his natural slot position into multiple alignment spots in Josh McDaniels' offense. He has been exposed to various formations and concept work since his rookie year, and receiver coach Todd Downing noted meaningful improvement in play-speed development and "release speed" heading into 2026. Chism is focused on understanding defensive concepts more thoroughly so he can play faster when the ball is snapped, a critical transition for young receivers.
His primary strength remains slot work, where he showed quick-game ability and separation during spring minicamp (touchdown reception from Tommy DeVito in final OTA session). As A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs solidify the top of the depth chart, Chism projects as a depth piece competing for WR3/slot reps alongside Kyle Williams and Demario Douglas. His development trajectory depends on whether he can successfully translate slot expertise into other formations (per Patriots seeing growth from second-year wide receivers).
In Week 4, Chism elevated his role significantly when Mack Hollins exited with a calf injury. He played 27 of 40 available snaps in the second half, taking over Hollins' 72.5% role, and scored the game-winning touchdown. If Hollins' injury is extended, Chism could see a sustained expanded role with increased fantasy value (per Fantasy football recap: Week 4 usage and takeaways).
Role / Depth Chart
Slot receiver competing for reps in a crowded room. Likely depth behind Demario Douglas and Kyle Williams for playing time.
Recent News
- 2026-10-04 — Scores game-winning TD in Week 4, plays 27 of 40 snaps replacing injured Mack Hollins (Fantasy football recap: Week 4 usage and takeaways)
- 2026-10-05 — Patriots' Mike Vrabel fires back at Bills' C.J. Gardner-Johnson for jab at Efton Chism III (Patriots' Mike Vrabel fires back at Bills' C.J. Gardner-Johnson for jab at Efton Chism III)
- 2026-06-09 — Patriots Mandatory Minicamp Primer: Roster Battles, Rising Rookies and Players To Watch (Patriots Mandatory Minicamp Primer: Roster Battles, Rising Rookies and Players To Watch)
- 2026-05-08 — Analysis: Breaking Down the Patriots Undrafted Rookie Free Agent Signings (Analysis: Breaking Down the Patriots Undrafted Rookie Free Agent Signings)
- 2026-06-01 — The Ultimate 2026 Return Yardage Watchlist: Breaking Down Every NFL Team’s PR/KR Depth... (The Ultimate 2026 Return Yardage Watchlist: Breaking Down Every NFL Team’s PR/KR Depth...)
- 2026-06-19 — Three Patriots Positional Battles to Watch this Summer (Three Patriots Positional Battles to Watch this Summer)
- 2026-04-25 — 2026 NFL Draft’s top undrafted free agents: Haynes King, Diego Pounds, others (2026 NFL Draft’s top undrafted free agents: Haynes King, Diego Pounds, others)
- 2026-04-02 — NFL Draft Preview: WR Depth Plays Well To Patriots Needs (NFL Draft Preview: WR Depth Plays Well To Patriots Needs)
- 2026-06-07 — Resetting Patriots WR Depth Chart: How Does A.J. Brown Fit In? (Resetting Patriots WR Depth Chart: How Does A.J. Brown Fit In?)
- 2026-06-01 — A.J. Brown shares message with Eagles fans after being traded to Patriots (A.J. Brown shares message with Eagles fans after being traded to Patriots)
- 2026-05-27 — Six Storylines to Monitor This Spring at Patriots Organized Team Activities (Six Storylines to Monitor This Spring at Patriots Organized Team Activities)