The Detroit Lions used their 166th pick in the draft to select wide receiver Quintez Cephus out of Wisconsin. Cephus led the Badgers last season in receiving, as he caught 59 passes for 901 yards and seven touchdowns. His 2018 season didn’t happen due to sexual assault charges which he was acquitted of just before the start of his last season.
Scouting Report
Cephus ran a 4.73 40 at the combine, which likely scared teams off when coupled with the sexual assault allegations he faced in college. His ability as a receiver isn’t in question, as he was one of the best in the country at winning contested catches. That of course means he’s had to perfect that skill since he had trouble getting separation in college. There are players who can succeed by being so adept at making contested catches in this league. Alshon Jeffery comes to mind. And it isn’t like Cephus isn’t a good route runner. He has the skills to be an NFL receiver if allowed to build a rapport with a quarterback who will throw to him in tight windows.
Quintez Cephus is one of the more undervalued receivers in the class of 2020. Cephus can win from the outside, he can win from the slot and if he played in about 100 other offenses in college football he’d have had drastically better production. Significant off-field allegations (since cleared) kept him off the field in 2018 but Cephus bounced back with a strong 2019 campaign, showing effective releases, strong hands and an assertive mentality with the ball in the air. Potential starter. — Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network
Fantasy football impact
Cephus can be a good WR3 on a team like the Lions, who have Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay in the lead and T.J. Hockenson at tight end. Jones isn’t going to be around much longer and Cephus has the ability to win that No. 2 spot but isn’t a lock. Matthew Stafford showed well last season before his injury and should remain a strong quarterback for a few more years, giving Cephus a real opportunity to establish himself.