As the NFL Draft draws closer, Badgers Wire is exploring draft profiles of those who have declared. The basic premise of these articles is to take a brief look at each player. Each column will take a look at each player’s football statistics as well as their physical statistics. Finally, we’ll give you a brief summary of what each player offers and where he can be expected to go in the 2020 NFL Draft. Next up is Wisconsin receiver Quintez Cephus.
The first thing that has to be mentioned with Quintez Cephus is the off-field aspect of his profile. Cephus was charged with sexual assault, but was ultimately found not guilty. The particulars of the case aren’t appropriate for columns like this, but it’s impossible to talk about Cephus, especially in a class deep with talent at the receiver position, without mentioning the sexual assault charge. It is ugly yet undeniable. That is going to scare off some NFL teams and will likely result in Cephus having additional provisions in his contract for behavior.
Cephus is an average-sized receiver at 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds. He doesn’t have the standout size or speed to make him a valued commodity on offense. He is a win-first player, though, someone who is always ready to put the team’s needs before his own. He hauled in 59 catches for 901 yards and seven scores in 2019, good enough to lead the Badgers in receiving yards and touchdowns. He is a very talented receiver – not overwhelming or imposing, but able to carve out space and make plays.
Ultimately, it’s curious that Cephus chose this year to depart. Quarterback Jack Coan is likely to be the focal point of Wisconsin’s offense in 2020, so Cephus likely would have received a statistical boost as a result. This NFL Draft class is loaded with wide receiver and quarterback talent. It’s a deep draft and Cephus has the sexual assault charge hanging over his head. It’s hard to project where Cephus will go, but he’s likely a Day 3 or UDFA candidate.