Karen Guregian: Efton Chism III has the right stuff. Is that enough to make Patriots roster?

FOXBOROUGH – Efton Chism III doesn’t seem like the type to go quietly into the night.

As an undrafted free agent, and a receiver who is not particularly high on the depth chart, his odds of making the roster wouldn’t seem great.

Only, this kid is refusing to let the Patriots say no.

Even with a few lulls during training camp, the small school stud keeps coming back, and strutting his stuff.

He’s relentless. Much like that unwanted fly at a picnic.

He’s played so well, and won over a legion of believers thanks to a playing style that’s mindful of Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola.

It’s gotten to the point there could be a fan revolt if he doesn’t make the final 53.

He’s certainly not a lock. I kept him off my latest Patriots roster projection thinking they wouldn’t keep seven receivers.

With Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams pretty much pencilled in, and Javon Baker making a strong case to be the sixth, it seemed like Chism would be a tough-luck loser.

Only, he keeps making plays.

Friday night against Washington, he led the way with 6 catches for 50 yards and a touchdown.

Granted, it came against the Commanders scrubs, but that doesn’t diminish what Chism brings to the table.

Between his quickness and play style, he’s a perfect fit for Josh McDaniels offense.

While his best position would be in the slot, where Douglas roams, we’ve seen him make plays wherever McDaniels has lined him up.

Backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who enjoys a nice rapport with Chism, summed up the rookie’s appeal.

“He plays really well within the scheme of the offense. He does a really good job in the routes that he has in being fast when he needs to, and being strategic when he needs to,” Dobbs said Monday. “He’s a QB-friendly target like in the red zone, or on third down. He gets a lot of good matchups, and he wins those matchups, which is most important.”

Chism has a natural feel for route-running, and getting where he needs to go.

He might not be all that tall (5-10, 198) but he’s tall enough, good on his feet, and isn’t afraid to get dirty.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, in fact, praised Chism for the physicality he showed both blocking and finishing off plays Friday night.

There was one run after catch in particular where Chism lowered his shoulder and literally ran through a Commanders defender.

That got a rise out his teammates on the sidelines, Stefon Diggs in particular.

“I think his play strength stood out to me, just from the sideline,” Vrabel said. “I think it’s the way he blocks, his ability to catch the ball in traffic. The ball (on his touchdown) was basically tipped or bobbled coming out of Ben’s [Wooldridge] hand, kind of ran through a tackle, ran through contact, and we threw him a screen. So, those are all positive things. I think his play strength to me is what stood out.”

Wide receivers coach Todd Downing is another Chism fan. He also characterizes him as being a “quarterback friendly” target.

That was never more evident than Sunday’s practice when he made a ridiculous leaping catch in the end zone on a Dobbs pass.

Asked what Chism can do for an offense, Downing provided a little insight into the kid’s mentality.

“I think if you asked him, he’d say, it’s limitless, you know, and that’s half the battle,” Downing said of the Eastern Washington product. “He certainly has shown some versatility. We’ve been able to move him around from slot to some strong side receiver stuff, but I’m’ just excited to watch him continue to develop and earn a role.

“Is he the type of player coaches love to have in their arsenal for various reasons? Yeah, I love having him in the room.”

But will he stay in the room?

Chism, who has been utilized mostly with the second-team offense, may have played well enough that the Patriots wouldn’t be able to sneak him on the practice squad, if so desired.

So it may be roster or bust.

In the end, Chism might make that decision an easy one. He might make it impossible for Vrabel & Co. to keep him on the outside looking in.

“He’s an absolute joy to work with. His work ethic is second to none,” Downing said. “He’s a guy that understands he’s got to fight for all of his opportunities and then make the most of them when he gets them.”

So far, he’s left no stone unturned. He’s studying Danny Amendola film. He’s making plays for any quarterback he’s lined up with.

And, he’s always one of the last players to leave the practice field.

Said Dobbs: “He deserves all the love that he’s getting. I think he understands it’s one day at a time. Take advantage of each opportunity. Each day is a new day to go out and dominate and make plays on the field.”