The New England Patriots drubbed the Las Vegas Raiders 45-17 and are back on track at 3-2 in 2026 after a grueling first five game schedule. A magnificent performance by quarterback Drake Maye with four touchdown passes and another on the ground highlighted the game.
Now, Brian Hines of Pats Pulpit shared a ranking of the receivers from the 2025 draft class (including undrafted free agents) thus far in 2026.
posting the top-graded WRs this season from last year's draft class for no reason at all pic.twitter.com/939fr6AJKJ
— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) October 12, 2026
Efton Chism III ranks first among all 2025 receivers at 81.4, just ahead of the much-heralded and first-round selection Tetairoa McMillan.
The rest of the list includes all players who were drafted last year, with Chism being the only undrafted receiver on the list, further proving that the Patriots have an eye for overlooked talent.
Efton Chism III is another New England Patriots' UDFA star in the making
Chism signed a rather hefty three-year UDFA contract in 2025 with a $25,000 bonus and $259,000 in guaranteed money. Now that he's finally on the field, that contract looks like an absolute steal, if not grand larceny by the Patriots' front office.
While the personnel operation has been heavily criticized, especially before Mike Vrabel arrived last season, its track record on UDFA's has been superb over the years. Chism is just the latest in a long line of great signings.
These include Super Bowl hero cornerback Malcolm Butler; long-time starting center David Andrews; solid receiver Jakobi Meyers; offensive guard Stephen Neal; safety Brenden Schooler; and, among others, the best of the best, recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee kicker Adam Vinatieri.
It's been a fertile field for the Patriots to sign undrafted players who not only produce but also help win Super Bowls.
Chism is the latest in that long line. Now that he's getting targets, he's showing his coaches, who were reluctant to put him on the field, and the NFL that he's here to stay and make an impact. Chism had only three targets total in 2025. He caught all three, one for a touchdown.
This season, due primarily to injuries to A.J. Brown and Mack Hollins, Chism has been given an opportunity to play in four games. He's earned Maye's trust and made the most of his opportunity.
He has nine catches on 13 targets, including a touchdown, in the four games he's played. Against Las Vegas, he had his best game yet: five receptions on six targets for 57 yards and an 11.4-yard average. This season, seven of his nine catches have resulted in first downs, and one has resulted in a touchdown. Efton Chism III is another great UDFA find by the Patriots, and perhaps their next great slot receiver.
They shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. It's time to make him a permanent part of the offense.
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