The Green Bay Packers wouldn’t have to look far if they’re interested in a mid-round pass-catching prospect with a history of performing in the cold.
Wisconsin receiver Quintez Cephus certainly wouldn’t mind an opportunity to stay in-state and catch passes from Aaron Rodgers in sub-freezing temps at Lambeau Field.
“It would be amazing,” Cephus said, via Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. “I know how to play in the cold weather. I know how to catch balls in the cold weather. It would be amazing to play up in Green Bay.”
In Madison, Cephus finished his collegiate career – which was marred by a sexual assault trial that forced him to sit out the 2018 season – by catching 59 passes for 901 yards and seven touchdowns for the Badgers in 2019. Cephus was acquitted of the charges in August of 2019, returned to the Wisconsin program and solidified himself as a legitimate NFL prospect.
He produced 122 receiving yards in the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State and then caught seven passes and a touchdown in the Rose Bowl against Oregon. In late November, he helped Wisconsin win the Big Ten West with 114 receiving yards and a touchdown during a road victory in Minnesota, where the wind chill dropped well below freezing and snow eventually covered the field at TCF Bank Stadium in the second half.
Cephus is in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine this week. He’ll get a chance to raise his stock in a deep, crowded class of receivers.
Even with a terrific performance in Indy, Cephus is likely a late Day 2 or Day 3 pick in the draft. The 6-1, 202-pounder has good size and ball skills, with an overall game similar to former Packer standout James Jones. His experience blocking in the run game and playing outdoors in the Wisconsin cold only adds to his profile.
The Packers are one of many teams ready to take advantage of the depth of talent at receiver in the draft. It’s possible GM Brian Gutekunst could take one of the top-tier receivers early and then still target a mid-round option, like Cephus, later on in the draft. Double-dipping in this class makes sense for a team that needs legitimate help behind Pro Bowler Davante Adams.
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