TRENDING: Is FCS WR the Next Cooper Kupp?

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated Feb 5, 2025 3:12 PM ET

One would think that a wide receiver who finished his collegiate career with 346 receptions, 3,852 yards and 37 touchdowns wouldn’t need to prove his talents in pre-combine events, but that was the situation for Efton Chism of Eastern Washington. However, he didn’t complain and instead went and showcased his talents at both the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl.

Chism didn’t receive an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl until he shined at the Hula Bowl in early January. He continued to shine in Texas through the week at practices and the game:

East Washington WR Efton Chism really hitting the ground running at Shrine Bowl standing out early. Was at Hula Bowl, too. Over 3,500 yards in his career. Dude knows how to win with his movements pic.twitter.com/gKqMXx4ibA
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 25, 2025

Eastern Washington’s Efton Chism rounded out a nice week with a stellar @ShrineBowl game showing.

- 4 targets
- 4 catches
- 43 yards

⬇️ this 20-yard pick up with a good chunk after the catch

pic.twitter.com/uJserhzO2M
— Oliver Hodgkinson (@ojhodgkinson) January 31, 2025

Comparisons with Cooper Kupp have been following Chism for a couple of years. And the main reason is that Kupp also played his college ball at Eastern Washington. While Chism’s collegiate career was extremely impressive, it amazingly pales in comparison to Kupp’s four seasons with the Eagles when he totaled 428 receptions for 6,464 yards and 73 touchdowns. Despite these absurd accomplishments, he wasn’t selected until the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Jan 30, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; East wide receiver Efton Chism of Eastern Washington (81) eludes West defensive back Robert Longerbeam of Rutgers (20) during the first half at AT&T Stadium.© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Even with the performances Chism recently had, he won’t get drafted as high as Kupp. Prior to the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl he was generally considered to be a player who would go undrafted but now is likely a 5^th to 7^th round selection. Another impressive showing at the NFL Combine, which he has yet to receive an invite to, would continue his upward trend, but Chism will have to wait to see if that opportunity comes his way.

Chism is the definition of a "football player." He won't be the fastest, strongest or biggest wide receiver available at the NFL Draft, but he gets the job done, as he proved consistently at Eastern Washington. And because of that, one NFL team will get immediately get better when they draft him.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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