Quintez Cephus NFL draft profile and fantasy projection

Quintez Cephus is one of many Wisconsin Badgers who will be selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. The wideout is coming out with a loaded group of wide receiver prospects though, and that makes him his school’s fourth best prospect. He’s not expected to be drafted earlier than Jonathan Taylor or Zack Baun, and could also fall behind Tyler Biadasz.

Cephus led Wisconsin in receptions (59), receiving yards (901), and receiving touchdowns in 2019. He doesn’t have the kind of elite skills that make the top prospects better than him, but does excel in certain areas. His sturdy build is also ideal for the next pro game.

Scouting Report

Cephus is one of the strongest wideouts in the draft. His 23 bench press reps at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine were the best among wide receivers. He’s also one of the most explosive jumpers at his position, which could make him a threat to come down with the ball while contested.

While Cephus has exceptional route running, he doesn’t have enough burst to use it to create separation against defensive backs. That doesn’t mean he won’t be able to break free against every player who covers him, but it could force his quarterback to throw into tight windows often.

Size and body positioning create workable windows in tight quarters and his ball skills build trust with the quarterback. He’s a build-up runner who lacks suddenness to uncover and may need to be motioned, bunched, and lined in the slot to help with early separation. Teams know he can catch it but will need to see him get open. — NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein

Doesn’t offer that late burst to the football and his speed is gradual. Battles through tightness in his lowers on horizontal cuts. Twitch and suddenness is missing. — The Draft Network’s Joe Marino

Mock Draft Results

Mel Kiper, ESPN: Out of first round
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Out of first round
Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports: Third round or later
Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire: Out of first round

Fantasy impact: Rookie year

There’s a small chance that Cephus will be a starter as a rookie. He’ll likely be selected on the third day of the draft and end up as a WR3 or WR4 for most of his first pro season. Don’t expect to see consistent production in season long fantasy. He could be a quality value play at some point in DFS though.

Fantasy impact: Career

Cephus doesn’t have star upside, but he does have the potential to be a starter at some point. It could be another two or three seasons before that happens though. Even then, he shouldn’t get higher than WR2 regardless of what team he’s with.