Round 5a: WR Quintez Cephus (Wisconsin ):Pick # 166 ( 2020 )

[D6]

2020 NFL draft: Detroit Lions add WR Quintez Cephus, RB Jason Huntley in fifth round

…………………..


This thread relates to the following threads:


NFL Draft Preview: Wide Receivers ( 2020 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/596/draft-preview-wide-receivers-2020

Ranking Lions needs heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/661/ranking-lions-heading-2020-draft

Round 2 and Round 3 options for the Lions ( 2020 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/664/round-2-options-lions-2020

Mock Draft ( 2020 ) - DLF Members

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/655/mock-draft-2020-dlf-members


Unlike some, I'm comfortable with the Lions decision to draft Quintez Cephus, including with pick # 166, in Round 5. The bottom line is the Cephus was acquitted of all charges against him. Also, just because Cephus' father had a prison record and was eventually murdered gangland style ( shot in the head ), it shouldn't be assumed that Cephus is a criminal. Cephus was highly respected by his Head Coach with Wisconsin as a person who truly cared about his teammates. It can be assumed that Bob Quinn made sure that the Lions heavily vetted Cephus. There are no guarantees what's going to transpire with Cephus moving forward. But in the latter half of Round 5, the risks associated with Cephus ( or most prospects in general ) are on the low side.

I've seen highly varying opinions regarding draft grades for Cephus. The grades ranged from Round 2 to Round 6. The vertical speed factor is why many are skeptical about Cephus from an NFL playing standpoint. Though it's a legit major concern, Cephus has plenty going for him as an NFL WR prospect:

1. Good to very good leaping ability.
2. Great hands, though his concentration needs to be more consistent. Too many dropped passes for someone who makes great catches.
3. The ability to run routes at a high level ( though he needs to be more consistent at the top of his routes ).
4. Blocking ability.
5. Strength, including at the catch point and after the catch.
6. Versatility to play outside or in the slot.
7. Moves and quickness to escape the jam at the line of scrimmage.


Pick # 166 is the 5th Round pick as part of the trade the Lions made with the Eagles for Pro Bowl CB Darius Slay. With pick # 85, in Round 3, being the higher pick.

It will be interesting to see how Quintez Cephus performs compared to WRs John Hightower ( Boise St. ) and Isaiah Coulter ( Rhode Island ), WRs that went soon after Cephus did and before the Lions took RB Jason Huntley. Both of those WRs were on my radar screen for pick # 166, based on the players still available. Cephus might have the upside as a # 2 WR or a # 3 WR ( primary slot receiver ). I view him as a 4th Round type of player, in a very deep WR draft.

[D6]

5 things to know about Lions’ 5th-round pick Quintez Cephus

……………..

One reason in particular that I like the Quintez Cephus selection by the Lions with pick # 166 is that Matthew Stafford has thrived with WRs like Cephus, who can make the difficult catch when closely covered, because of ball skills, overall athletic ability, and instincts. Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones come to mind immediately. A key is for Stafford to be able to develop football chemistry with Cephus, which currently can't occur because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

[papajoe]

I wasn’t too thrilled with this pick at first; but the more I read, the more I’m comfortable with it. I read somewhere; I wish I could remember where; that Jeff Okudah, our first round pick, said that Quintez Cephus was the toughest receiver for him to cover.


Joe

[D6]

Joe, you are correct.

Because Jeff Okudah made these comments at the Combine, not after he became Lions teammates with Quintez Cephus, Okudah's comments have much more significance.

[D6]

The following also has significance and is encouraging news. Though, news that isn't surprising:

[D6]

Lions’ Bob Quinn says team researched past, ‘felt good’ drafting WR Quintez Cephus

……………….

Former Lions WR and long time NFL WR Anquan Boldin comes to mind, regarding the upside potential of Quintez Cephus. If Cephus even comes close to having the HOF Caliber NFL playing career that Boldin had, taking Cephus with pick # 166, in Round 5, would be one of the best draft value decisions in the 21st Century.

[D6]

Beat writer roundtable: Breaking down every Lions draft pick with those who know them best. QUINTEZ CEPHUS

…………….

Great assessment of what Quintez Cephus could very realistically provide the Lions. With Cephus, the sum appears to be substantially greater than the parts.

[D6]

Cephus and Huntley take to social media to announce rookie deals with Detroit Lions

..........

Glad to see both 5th Rounders are in the Lions fold.

[D6]

‘We have ballers:’ Lions excited to add rookie Quintez Cephus to talented passing game

........

The opportunity for Quintez Cephus to learn from Marvin Jones during his rookie season should pay major dividends for Cephus and the Lions. That much more with the COVID-19 limitations in 2020.

[D6]

Report: Woman sues University of Wisconsin over Lions WR Quintez Cephus' reinstatement

...........

More likely than not isn't even close to warrant a conviction in criminal court in the United States. I think the threshold level to win a lawsuit in most civil courts in the country is less. How much less in this particular court certainly is a key element in the case.

[D6]

How Quintez Cephus looked like Jerry Rice at the combine — and fell to the Detroit Lions

.......

Quentez Cephus looks like he's going to be a.Lions draft selection who ends up being a good value selection. He's improving, which is encouraging, as many rookies hit the 'rookie wall'. Cephus clearly plays faster than his Combine 40 Time.

[frenchylions]

Just wish he will get rid of these easy drops and turn into a more reliable target.

[D6]

While D'Andre Swift continues to have problems with ball security in one form or another, I'm encouraged that Quentez Corpse is making strides catching the ball.

The Lions overall team is 3rd in the NFL according to the following site in MOST drops entering the final day of the regular season. That has proven costly.


hosted.stats.com/fb/tmleaders.asp?type=Receiving&range=NFL&rank=232