Does Efton Chism Remind Julian Edelman Of Himself? Patriots Legend Weighs In

Does Efton Chism remind Julian Edelman of himself? Patriots legend weighs in originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The meteoric rise of Efton Chism III has caught Julian Edelman’s attention. But not because the Patriots legend sees himself in the undrafted rookie receiver, as some others might.

“I think he reminds me more of Dola (Danny Amendola) than he does me,” Edelman told Tom E. Curran during the Patriots Talk podcast released Tuesday. “The way he runs is a little like that.”

Nevertheless, Edelman has been impressed by Chism.

“His playing strength is really impressive,” Edelman said. “He’s had a hell of a camp. It’s going to be an interesting decision on what to do with these guys in that receiver room.”

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Chism has studied Amendola since arriving to New England as sought-after rookie free agent. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels made sure Chism received a cut-up video from Amendola’s tenure in New England (2013-2017).

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Amendola played an impactful role alongside quarterback Tom Brady and McDaniels, of course. An undrafted receiver out of Texas Tech, Amendola eclipsed 50 catches and 600 yards during three of his five seasons in New England.

McDaniels and company would be thrilled if the 5-foot-10, 198-pound Chism had a similar impact.

“He’s super twitchy,” Chism said after watching Amendola. “He knows how to release. If the guy’s playing off, if the guy’s playing press, he knows how to sit in zones but he also knows how to win versus man. I don’t think a lot of people — at least me, like before becoming a Patriot, I didn’t watch a lot of him. But now I’m watching it and like, ‘Man, he can really win versus man, too.’ He’s not just a just a zone catcher.”

The Eastern Washington product has come on strong after a slow start to camp, all but locking up a roster spot following his preseason performance against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday. Chism, who had six receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown in two quarters of play, was the best player on the field at times.

Patriots insider Phil Perry projected New England’s 53-man roster and listed Chism as his sixth receiver behind Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams and Mack Hollins. Neither Williams nor Chism have practiced since playing the Vikings, but Chism is believed to be dealing with a minor foot ailment. Fellow wideouts Kendrick Bourne and Ja’Lynn Polk, who have been sidelined for weeks due to injury, as well as Javon Baker were left off Perry’s projection.

Chism received an opportunity this summer and he’s ran with it. Edelman, while maybe not the same type of player, certainly can relate.

Also in this episode:

• Are the Patriots trying to shortcut their way to mediocrity?
• Expectations for quarterback Drake Maye
• How long will the rebuild take under head coach Mike Vrabel?
• Edelman: TreVeyon Henderson could be the ‘steal of the draft’

Unisom® partnered with Julian Edelman, former professional football wide receiver, to help share his top Sleeper Pickz and dream fantasy football draft advice so that everyone can rest easier this season. For more information, please visit Unisom.com to grab your SleepTabs®.