B/R gives UDFA Joshua Cephus rave review ahead of Jaguars training camp

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a promising wide receiver group in Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis, Devin Duvernay, and Christian Kirk. On the other hand, the depth behind them could use some work. Sophomore Parker Washington has turned heads in the offseason, but the Jags could most definitely use another option in case the injury bug strikes in 2024. Derrik Klassen of Bleacher Report believes undrafted rookie free agent Joshua Cephus is up to the challenge.

Klassen drew up a list of rookies flying under the radar who could thrive in 2024. He included Cephus, citing his skill set as the reason he could earn a roster spot with the Jags.

"While Cephus himself is no world-beater, he has two key skills that should put him above these other roster filler types.

First, Cephus has a knack for finding the ball in the air. Nobody is going to mistake him for Mike Evans but he's tough and sure-handed for a 6'2", 89-pounder. Cephus shows a clear comfort in tracking the ball no matter where it is relative to his frame and bringing in the pass with soft hands.

Cephus is also pretty explosive. UTSA regularly tapped him in for screens and other cheap YAC opportunities. He's not a creative or elusive ball-carrier, per se, but he has that instant burst to find 10 yards when it only looked like there were five yards available."

Klassen goes on to say that Cephus will need to hone his route-running but otherwise thinks he's got a favorable chance to contribute.

Now, Klassen says that the fourth spot in the receiver corps in Jacksonville is up for grabs but that may not be entirely accurate. Thomas, Kirk, and Davis sit at the top of the depth chart. Duvernay will mainly contribute as a returner on special teams but he showed his receiving chops during his four-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens.

In 2021-2022, Duvernay caught a combined 70 receptions, so it wouldn't be shocking to see him play offense and get a few passes his way next season. This is to say that the fourth spot will tentatively be his.

Washington should be No. 5 in the totem pole. At 5'10" and 212 pounds, the former Penn State Nittany Lion is better suited to line up inside. In fact, most of his playing time as a rookie came in the slot and he only got playing time when Kirk suffered a core injury late in the season.

Having said that, Washington has impressed the coaching staff in the offseason and should earn a role on the offense next year. That makes him a good bet to earn the fifth spot on the roster, leaving Cephus to compete with fourth-year pro Tim Jones, and sophomore Elijah Cooks.

Joshua Cephus has a shot at earning a roster spot with the Jaguars

Just like Joshua Cephus, Tim Jones, and Elijah Cooks were undrafted free agents. The former spent his rookie season in the practice squad but made the initial 53-man roster in 2022. Cooks, on the other hand, made the team in his first NFL season.

It's worth noting that the Jaguars kept seven receivers last year, and it will be interesting to see if they carry the same number next season. If they do, Cephus may have an easier time earning the roster spot. If he does, though, don't expect him to make a massive impact.

The year Jones made the roster for the first time, he hauled in three receptions for 30 yards with no touchdowns. Cooks, for his part, finished 2023 with three catches for 38 yards. For the sake of argument, let's say Cephus does make the cut, he won't see much playing time. As a matter of fact, he may even be a healthy scratch in a handful of games.

On the other hand, keeping him around will allow the Jaguars to be prepared in case injuries strike. Last year, they weren't well-equipped and the passing game suffered a dropoff when Kirk was out.

If Cephus ultimately doesn't make the roster, he'll be a surefire candidate for the practice squad. There, he'll have a chance to learn the nuances of the position.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have done a good job of finding undrafted gems. Cephus will have a chance to keep the streak going.

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