Efton Chism III Skyrockets Up NFL Draft Boards After Shrine Bowl

If you haven’t heard the name Efton Chism III yet, you will soon. After standout performances at both the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Hula Bowl , the Eastern Washington University wide receiver has quickly become a hot prospect for NFL scouts, general managers, and teams looking for their next playmaker.

Chism, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 200 pounds , made the most of his reps at the Hula Bowl in early January. His stellar showing earned him a late invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl , where he impressed once again with his acceleration, route running, and ability to make plays after the catch.

Shrine Bowl Performance Raises Chism’s Stock

During the Shrine Bowl , Chism hauled in four receptions for 43 yards , including an impressive 20-yard grab over the middle , where he turned upfield and hurdled a safety while still donning his EWU helmet.

His impact wasn’t limited to offense—Chism also showcased his versatility on special teams , returning both kickoffs and punts while demonstrating his quickness and agility , even in tight spaces. His all-around performance earned him first-team All-Shrine Bowl honors and left a lasting impression on NFL scouts.

From Undrafted to Late-Round Projection

Before his postseason performances, Chism was expected to go undrafted . However, his stock has skyrocketed, and he is now projected as a sixth- or seventh-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft .

While projections are often speculative, Chism has been linked to the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers —teams that could use an explosive, sure-handed receiver.

Record-Setting Career at Eastern Washington

Chism’s 2024 season was nothing short of dominant. He was the top wide receiver in the FCS and one of the best across the FBS level , finishing the year with:

• 120 receptions
• 1,311 receiving yards
• 13 touchdowns

Over his collegiate career , he left his mark on EWU’s record books , finishing:

• Second all-time in receptions ( 346 ), averaging 6.53 per game —behind only Cooper Kupp
• Third in career receiving yards ( 3,852 )
• Fourth in receiving touchdowns ( 37 )

One of his most impressive achievements was setting the FCS record for most consecutive games with a reception (53) , surpassing Kupp’s previous mark of 52 . Chism never played a game without recording a catch, setting the record in his final collegiate game against Northern Arizona .

NFL Outlook

With his elite production, reliability, and versatility , Chism has all the tools to make an immediate impact at the next level . Whether it’s as a slot receiver, deep threat, or special teams contributor , his rise up draft boards suggests that NFL teams are taking notice.

Now, it’s just a matter of which franchise will take a chance on him in April’s NFL Draft .