In the coming weeks and months I will be breaking down potential prospects for the Dallas Cowboys to determine their strengths, weaknesses, and fit with the organization. Today, I want to take a look at a former Wisconsin wide receiver who could be in play for the Cowboys in the middle rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft.
NAME: Quintez Cephus
POSITION: Wide Receiver
SCHOOL: Wisconsin
CONFERENCE: Big Ten
CLASS: RS Junior
JERSEY: No. 87
RECRUITMENT RATING: 3 star
HT: 6'1″
WT: 207
DOB: —
Highlights:
Pros:
Quintez Cephus has the prototypical size and speed of an NFL wide receiver. Big bodied, physical playmaker in the passing game with surprisingly quick feet. Natural hands catcher. Shows the ability to twist and contort his body to catch passes thrown outside his frame. Very good in contested catch situations. Physical at the catch point. Fearless taking his routes across the middle. Aggressive, physical after the catch. Crisp route runner with room to improve. Explodes off the line of scrimmage and gets up to speed quickly, putting pressure on opposing defensive backs. Not the fastest, but has sneaky ability to get behind the defense as a down the field threat. Versatility to play on the outside or in the slot. Good stalk blocker in the running game.
Cons:
The biggest negative about Quintez Cephus is the fact he missed all of 2018 after being charged with two separate counts of sexual assault. He was eventually found not guilty of all charges prior to the start of the 2019 season and returned to Wisconsin. On the field, Cephus has limited production due to the Badgers run heavy offense and poor QB play. He gets a little sloppy coming in and out of his breaks and can stand to improve as a route runner. Quicker rather than fast. Could stand to become more consistent as a blocker.
Cowboys Fit:
With Michael Gallup as the only proven wide receiver currently under contract with the Dallas Cowboys, Quintez Cephus' fit is an obvious one. He would provide some much-needed depth at the position, especially considering his versatility to play from the slot or on the outside. And, the need for WR depth probably doesn't change even if the Cowboys bring back both or either Amari Cooper and Randall Cobb.
The NFL is a passing league and adequate WR depth is a must. Cephus' ability to line up all over the formation only adds to his value. He has the prototypical size and skill set to become a go to receiver at the next level, but with the Cowboys he'd probably start off third or fourth on the depth chart depending on what happens with Cooper and Cobb. He's a WR in the mold of Michael Gallup and would add some more strength/physicality to the Cowboys passing game.
Pro Comparison: Michael Gallup, Roddy White
