Throughout Bill Belichick's tenure as the Patriots' head coach, the team became known for rostering several undrafted free agents, especially ones who would go on to become integral parts of their season. That hasn't been the case over the last few years, but there is a good chance that changes for the 2025 season.
A few undrafted players have made headlines over the last few months, with wide receiver Efton Chism III leading the way. His impressive performances during OTAs and minicamp caught the attention of teams around the league, and even the CFL, as one team let it be known that they would like him on their roster if he were to become available.
Given his skillset and the comparable players analysts have already connected him to, like Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman, it's fair to assume that there will be a spot for him on Josh McDaniels' offense.
Although it might be a long shot, his continued noticeable efforts are not going unnoticed, and his latest comments might seal his fate, as he sounds like a disciple of a Belichick-era team.
Efton Chism has the right attitude to fit right in with the 2025 Patriots
After a laid-back training camp practice on Thursday, Chism spoke to reporters about what he's willing to do to make the Patriots' 2025 team.
Other than being a weapon for Drake Maye to work with if given a chance, he proved to have the Belichick attitude of doing whatever he can to help the team, which includes being on special teams as a punt returner, a gunner, or even holding the football if that's what it takes.
Efton Chism says he’s willing to fill any role necessary to make the team, even if it means playing holder:
— Tom Carroll (@yaboiTCfresh) July 31, 2025
“Just for me personally, it’s kinda anything I can do. If that’s being on punt, running down on punt, return kicks, returning anything…Even if I gotta hold, be the… pic.twitter.com/GeZdFQem2s
Considering his position and the fact that his chances of making the roster are higher than seeing his name on the final 53, Chism's attitude aligns perfectly with what Mike Vrabel is hoping to assemble in New England.
The desire to be on the team, along with putting the team first rather than your personal goals, is crucial to the new attitude the Patriots will adopt. It's very similar to the Patriot Way that became synonymous with Belichick over twenty years, and Chism's mindset fits that to a T.
Maintaining that and continuing to impress on the field will be easy reasons for the team to keep him around for the upcoming season.