NFL comparisons for the four drafted Badgers

NFL draft season is full of aimless comparisons with every quarterback coming out of college being projected as the next Tom Brady…

Quintez Cephus

NCAA Football: Rose Bowl-Oregon vs Wisconsin
Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Quintez Cephus (87) makes a catch against Oregon Ducks safety Nick Pickett (16) in the first half during the 106th Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

NFL comp: Zay Jones

Cephus was most likely a steal for the Detroit Lions at No. 166 overall.

Though he ran a 4.73 40-yard dash at the combine and isn’t a finished product as a receiver, his strength at the catch-point, production against the nation’s best cornerbacks and big catch radius makes him an intriguing option going forward for Matt Stafford and the Lions’ offense.

The current-Las Vegas Raider Zay Jones shared many of these traits coming out of college and in his three years of NFL experience he has recorded 110 receptions, 1184  yards and nine touchdowns.

His best season came in 2018 when he played all 16 games for the Buffalo Bills and finished the year with 56 catches, 652 yards and seven touchdowns.

That baseline feels like an accurate projection for Cephus as he works to rise on the Detroit depth chart after being selected in the fifth round.

After adjusting to the NFL during his rookie season I see 40-50 catches, 600-650 yards and 5-7 touchdowns as a realistic projection for his production going forward.

Taylor | Baun | Biadasz | Cephus