Nov 13, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; UTSA Roadrunners wide receiver Joshua Cephus (2) scores a touchdown in the first half against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports.
At some point in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings will likely select a wide receiver to complement Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on Sundays.
K.J. Osborn, Minnesota’s WR3 from 2021 to 2023, departed for the New England Patriots last month, leaving the depth chart with a few options at the spot, including Jalen Nailor, Brandon Powell, and Trent Sherfield. No one is too sure, though, in April if any of those three has the juice for WR3, but folks will learn more this summer.
Meanwhile, the draft feels like a logical spot for a WR3 contender, and according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, Minnesota met with UTSA’s Joshua Cephus a few days ago. Wilson tweeted Wednesday, “Joshua Cephus, Dekany graduate who attended Texans local day, visits Bengals April 16 and previously visited Vikings April 7-April 8 virtual meeting with Vikings today, per league source. Strong interest from Cowboys Cardinals Saints.”
How sleepy of a sleeper is Cephus? Well, later rounds — probably around Rounds 5-7, and perhaps in 6 or 7. Minnesota has oodles of draft picks in later rounds and may need to hit on those picks, especially after the club is forecasted to trade up the board in two weeks. There’s a real chance Minnesota picks its quarterback of the future in the Top 10 after a trade — and then doesn’t pick again until Saturday in Round 4.
Cephus tabulated 89 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023, participating in 13 games. A wonderful statline, to be sure. Josh Frey of PurplePTSD, a sister site to VikingsTerritory, described Cephus this week, “Cephus, who stands at 6’3″ and weighs 185 pounds, could help fill some of Minnesota’s WR depth needs if he were to be selected by the Vikings. The team obviously features both Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson at the top of their depth chart, but they have very limited options behind those two.”
The rookie-to-be also returned punts in college, a perk to help ensure the man a roster spot. Minnesota employs the aforementioned Powell for that duty in 2024, but beyond this season, it might need a punt returner.
The 33rd Team outlined Cephus’ skillset, “Cephus is a strong-handed receiver with good body control that offers some inside-out flexibility to provide quality depth, but he will need to improve his separation ability against stickier defenders to see the field consistently at the next level.”
The Vikings could stand to add a big wide receiver, and Cephus’ 6’3″ build would be ideal for the assignment.
The NFL Draft is two weeks from tonight.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.