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Foxborough, MA – The New England Patriots had a quiet draft, but an undrafted free agent is quickly making waves. Wide receiver Efton Chism III, hailing from the same small-school pipeline that famously launched Cooper Kupp's NFL career, delivered a standout performance in his Patriots debut, generating considerable buzz and a compelling case for a roster spot.

Chism III, who played his college ball at Prairie View A&M, wasn't on many draft radars. However, his impressive showing during training camp and now in his debut has shifted the narrative. While the Patriots have a crowded wide receiver room, Chism III's speed, route-running ability, and surprising physicality have caught the attention of coaches and teammates alike.

During the debut, Chism III consistently beat defenders, showcasing a knack for finding open space and making contested catches. Reports from sideline observers highlighted his strong hands and ability to secure the ball even when under pressure. He also demonstrated a willingness to block, a crucial attribute for any receiver looking to earn playing time in Bill Belichick's system.

“He’s got a good understanding of the route concepts and he’s really working hard to learn the playbook,” said offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien after the game. “He's a physical receiver. He's got some speed. We're just trying to get him comfortable and see what he can do.”

The comparison to Cooper Kupp is not lost on anyone. Kupp, also an undrafted free agent who attended Eastern Washington University, endured a challenging early career before blossoming into a Super Bowl champion and Offensive Player of the Year. While it’s far too early to make such predictions about Chism III, the parallels are undeniable: both players were overlooked in the draft but possess the talent and work ethic to carve out a successful NFL career.

The Patriots receiver corps currently features veterans like DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Kendrick Bourne, alongside promising young talent like Tyquan Thornton. Chism III faces an uphill battle to secure a roster spot, but his debut performance has significantly improved his odds. He'll need to continue to impress in practices and preseason games to solidify his position.

The emergence of an undrafted rookie like Chism III adds an element of excitement to the Patriots’ offense. It’s a testament to Belichick's ability to identify talent and a reminder that diamonds can indeed be found in unexpected places. Keep an eye on Efton Chism III – he might just be the next NFL success story to emerge from a small-school pipeline.

Key Takeaways:

• Efton Chism III made a strong impression in his Patriots debut.
• He’s drawing comparisons to Cooper Kupp, another undrafted receiver who became a star.
• His physical play, route-running, and hands have earned him praise from coaches.
• He faces stiff competition for a roster spot but has significantly improved his chances.