The critical NFL offseason has three dominant elements for any NFL team. The first is free agency, where you can lock up proven NFL talents. Then there is the draft, which is more speculative, but of roughly equal importance. Following the draft comes undrafted free agency (UDFA), an oft-overlooked but still important aspect of the offseason that can reap huge rewards.
Mike Vrabel aced free agency and the draft and followed up aggressively in his UDFA signings, landing several of the top available players at positions of need. These included all-purpose running back, UC Davis' Lan Larison, big in-line Alabama tight end, CJ Dipree, and another very well-sought-after slot receiver with monster credentials, Efton Chism III from Eastern Washington.
All three UDFA's have a solid chance to make the 53-man roster and are expected to be here. The Patriots have many roster openings to replace players who haven't lived up to their big contract extensions or draft status. Some notables will go and be replaced very likely by these three players. Here, we'll look at Chism, see where he fits, and why his signing is so significant.
Patriots now have the "Vrabel Effect" to attract new players
In Chism's case, there was tremendous competition for the UDFA's services with multiple teams seeking to bring him aboard. The "Vrabel Effect" was on full display, and along with a sizable contract guarantee, won the day.
ESPN's top reporter, Mike Reiss, wrote about Chism's signing, citing him as this year's potential "underdog story",
"The 5-foot-10, 193-pound Chism is known for, among other things, breaking Cooper Kupp's FCS record with a catch in 53 straight games. Following in Kupp's footsteps at Eastern Washington, he excelled as an elusive slot option by totaling 346 receptions for 3,852 yards and 37 touchdowns.
Six NFL teams devoted one of their 30 allotted visits to him leading into the draft. The Patriots weren't one of them, but coach Mike Vrabel personally calling Chism 'made an impact on him.
Chism's three-year contract includes $234,000 in guaranteed base salary, along with a $25,000 signing bonus, according to sources who have seen the deal. It is the richest deal among the Patriots' 16-member undrafted class and includes more in guarantees than the team's seventh-round picks."
Take this to the bank; the contract guarantees indicate that the player is in the team's plans, which is a huge incentive. But don't be deceived into thinking that's the only reason this highly sought-after player signed here.
Chism's comp isn't just anyone, it's a Patriots' Hall of Famer (and maybe Pro Football too)
The 5'10", 195-pound Chism's physical profile is quite similar to Patriots' Hall of Famer, the inimitable Julian Edelman. But that's just where the similarities begin. Chism, like Edelman, is a pass-catching machine. In 2024 alone, he reeled in 120 passes for 1311 yards and 13 touchdowns.
While his 4.71 forty-yard dash is pedestrian (Edelman ran a 4.52), the name of the game is getting separation. He does and he will. You're not catching 120 passes being blanketed in coverage. Like Edelman, Chism gets open, catches the rock when thrown his way, and makes things happen afterward.
Expect Chism to compete to start in the slot from Day One. Thoughts of the explosive Kyle Williams being assigned to slot duties are misguided. Williams' explosiveness has to be utilized outside, along with Stefon Diggs. The Pats have no outside threats other than Diggs and Williams.
Chism is an adept signing, and that six other NFL teams had him in for an official visit (as noted, the Pats weren't one!) per ESPN's Mike Reiss are testimony to that fact. The call from Mike Vrabel had to be a key factor in his decision. Yet, another reason besides that is the cash guarantee that very likely made his decision to come to New England.
That would be the "Drake Maye Effect". Maye is one of the NFL's brightest stars in the making at the quarterback position. Chism is aware that Maye excelled in 2024 with no offensive line, almost no capable receivers, and a lackluster backfield at his disposal.
Vrabel has rectified most of those shortcomings. Maye will have time to throw, Chism knows he can get open, and is confident (as he should well be) that he'll beat out the competition to catch Maye's laser passes. Two new phenomena were at work here: the "Vrabel Effect" and the "Drake Maye Effect". Together, they are a monster Patriots' drawing card for current and future NFL players.