The Detroit Lions used the first of their two fifth-round picks on a wide receiver, Quintez Cephus.
Cephus joins the Lions, who have 10 other receivers rostered at the moment. He can line up as both an outside receiver and in the slot, making him a valuable asset for Detroit’s offense.
Sitting atop the depth chart, Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay are the definite starting deep threats, while Danny Amendola will be the man in the slot. Behind them are eight receivers, including Cephus, in the fight for just one or two roster spots.
When looking at what a receiver can bring to the team, the Lions have a lot to consider. Are they a deep threat? Can they make plays from the slot? Can they be used as a punt and/or kick returner? Could they contribute on special teams as a gunner? We know that both Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia value versatility and special teams ability, so whoever can check the most boxes will make the cut.
The Lions have several deep threat options at their disposal. 2019 standout Marvin Hall appears to be the front runner in the group. Hall served as Stafford’s safety net at receiver, hauling in an average of over 37 yards per reception on just seven catches. Behind him are Chris Lacy, 2019 sixth-round pick Travis Fulgham, and newly-acquired free agents Geremy Davis and Geronimo Allison.
In the slot, the Lions have 2019 undrafted free agent Tom Kennedy and former practice squad member Victor Bolden. Both of these guys could be used as return men as well.
So where does Cephus fit in?
As mentioned earlier, he’s versatile and could line up in the slot or on the outside. He has no experience as a returner but could use his physicality to his advantage as a gunner on special teams.
All in all, he looks like he could make a serious push for that fourth/fifth wide receiver spot.
