Quintez Cephus has an ideal role in the NFL. His best chance for making a splash as the Lions’ fifth-round pick is as a big slot receiver, a widebodied target over the middle operating underneath more speed on the outside.
The Detroit Lions haven’t had a steady big slot in years. Anquan Boldin ended his career in 2016 in Detroit playing the role. Kevin Ogletree had a productive 12-game run in 2013. That’s been the extent of the big slot impact over the course of Matthew Stafford’s career.
It’s a role the Lions can use. And it’s more diverse than simply having a 6-foot-1, 210-pound target turning around on comebacks or plucking quick slants against off coverage inside. Cephus proved his route-running precision and ability to work off other receivers is a legit weapon.
Check this wheel route from the slot against Michigan. Cephus (No. 87) draws the strong safety up by aligning on the inside of the trips formation, and he’s got enough separation skills from his size and long stride to capitalize.
That’s a throw Matthew Stafford can make in his sleep.
Cephus also showed a knack for quickly finding the open hole against the zone and presenting himself as an underneath target. While this rep against Central Michigan isn’t out of the slot, the fundamental principle is the same.
The big slot often substitutes for a tight end in passing situations. Cephus’ size and impressive catch radius down the field make him a much better option for situations like this one, against Michigan State, than the likes of Jesse James or Isaac Nauta in Detroit’s offense.
He’s a very different kind of player than current slot Danny Amendola, or Golden Tate before him in Detroit. Cephus is a size mismatch for the smaller, quicker-based slot corners that predominate the NFL today. While Cephus is not quite as big and not quite as fast, he could emerge as the type of player Eric Decker was for the Broncos and Jets for several years, a big, reliable target from the slot who worked very well in conjunction with talented receivers on the outside.