Last year, one receiver who caught the NFL’s attention at the East-West Shrine Bowl was Jalen Coker from Holy Cross. His impressive performance in Frisco played a significant role in him being named to NFL Mock’s All-Underrated Team. Coker continued to live up to the hype during the season, hauling in 32 passes despite going undrafted. This year, another small-school wide receiver attracted considerable NFL interest: Efton Chism III from Eastern Washington.
Chism had a standout week at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl, which didn’t come as a surprise to Eagles fans. His remarkable production at Eastern Washington spoke for itself. Last season, he led the FCS with 120 receptions and finished second with 1,311 receiving yards, earning first-team All-American honors. This wasn’t a one-season wonder, either—Chism surpassed 600 receiving yards in each of his last four seasons and scored 37 touchdowns during his college career.
College standout to NFL hopeful
Despite his impressive stats, Chism was overlooked by NFL scouts and didn’t receive an invite to the upcoming NFL Combine. Nevertheless, he has the tools to carve out a role in the league. One of his best attributes is his reliable hands. According to Pro Football Focus, he dropped only 2.4% of his passes last season and excelled at making contested catches, hauling in 58% of passes thrown his way in tight coverage.
Chism’s game is also built on strong fundamentals. He’s excellent at breaking down his routes, allowing him to create separation despite lacking elite speed. Additionally, he consistently positions his hands correctly for tough catches, avoiding body catches that could lead to drops. His focus and ability to track the ball further highlight his polished technique.
Beyond Blessed ❤️✝️ Thank you @EWUFootball 🦅 pic.twitter.com/05clxf0rGx
— Efton Chism III (@EftonChism) February 2, 2025
Strength is another area where Chism excelled at the FCS level. He showed toughness when catching in traffic and demonstrated physicality as a runner, forcing 28 missed tackles last season. His special teams contributions also add to his value. During his time at Eastern Washington, he averaged 21 yards on 31 kickoff returns and was a reliable punt returner.
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So why didn’t a player with such elite production receive an NFL Combine invite? The answer lies in his measurables. At 5-foot-10, Chism is considered undersized and is likely seen as a slot-only receiver at the next level. He also lacks the elite speed typically expected from smaller receivers and doesn’t have standout athletic metrics.
Chism's NFL Draft Grade
Despite these concerns, Chism holds a sixth-round grade on my draft board. His elite production, strong ball skills, and reliable hands give him a solid chance to earn a spot on an NFL roster. While he may not get drafted as high as the sixth round due to his physical limitations, he should at least be signed as an undrafted free agent. Teams that have shown a strong interest and could be good fits include the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.