Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 195 pounds
Career Statistics: 346 receptions, 3,852 receiving yards, 37 receiving touchdowns, 908 return yards
Accolades:
- 2X FCS All-American (2023-24)
- 2X 1st Team All-Big Sky (2023-24)
- 2X 3rd Team All-Big Sky (2021-22)
- FCS Freshman All-American (2021)
- East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 (2025)
- Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List (2025)
Background Report:
Efton Chism III has been a remarkable playmaker since his high school days at Monroe High School in Washington, where he shattered school records with over 2,500 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns. As a three-star recruit, he also demonstrated his athletic prowess in basketball and track.
His decision to commit to Eastern Washington University proved to be a great match, as he evolved into one of the most prolific receivers in FCS history. Over his college career, he recorded an impressive 346 receptions for 3,852 yards and 37 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the top receivers to have played for Eastern Washington.
Chism’s senior season in 2024 was exceptional, leading the FCS with 120 receptions, 1,311 receiving yards, and 13 receiving touchdowns. His dominance earned him First-Team FCS All-American and All-Big Sky honors, further cementing his status as an elite collegiate receiver.
Scouting Report:
Efton Chism III excels as a wide receiver thanks to his precise route-running, agility, and dependable hands. His above-average height and solid build give him the resilience to handle physical defenders, while his strong lower body provides stability for quick movements and balance after the catch.
His agility and lateral quickness are his standout features, enabling him to create separation at all levels of the field. Although he doesn’t possess elite speed, he effectively adjusts his tempo and leverage to outmaneuver defenders and create passing opportunities.
Chism has a well-rounded route tree, making him a threat on short, intermediate, and deep routes. He routinely identifies soft spots in zone coverage and uses body positioning and sharp cuts to gain separation in man coverage. His efficient release package allows him to overcome press coverage, showcasing the technique and patience necessary to succeed off the line of scrimmage.
As a pass-catcher, Chism demonstrates strong hands and excellent tracking skills, making him a reliable target in contested scenarios. However, his average length limits his ability to consistently catch high passes, leading him to be more effective on shorter and intermediate routes rather than as a deep threat.
Chism adds extra value on special teams, particularly as a punt returner, utilizing his vision, elusiveness, and toughness to be a consistent playmaker in that role. His ability to gain yards after the catch enhances his overall value in an offense that emphasizes quick passing and playmaking in open space.
Projection:
Efton Chism III is projected as a solid NFL rotational prospect with the potential to play as a slot receiver and punt returner at the next level. His elite route-running, quickness, and reliable hands make him a perfect fit in a spread or West Coast-style offense that focuses on timing, separation, and short-to-intermediate passing plays.
While he may not possess the speed or size to be a dominant outside receiver, his knack for creating separation, reading defenses quickly, and contributing on special teams make him an appealing option for teams seeking to strengthen their receiving corps.
His best chances for securing a roster spot lie in his versatility, contributions on special teams, and ability to serve as a dependable high-volume target in the slot. He has the potential to develop into a reliable rotational player and potentially a starting slot receiver at the next level.
Final Summary:
Strengths:
- Exceptional route-running and ability to create separation
- Strong and reliable hands
- Effective against both zone and press coverage
- Quick and creative with the ball after the catch
- Valuable on special teams
Weaknesses:
- Lacks top-end speed to consistently threaten defenses vertically
- Limited capacity to catch high passes due to average height
- Primarily suits slot receiving role; may struggle against physical press corners
Best Fit: Slot receiver and punt returner in a spread or West Coast-style offense
Projection: Solid NFL rotational prospect with potential as a WR3/WR4 and special teams contributor
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