While creating my 2020 WR Model, I found a few under the radar players not getting much love currently, but I believe these players 100% deserve your attention leading up to and after the NFL Draft. These players all have elements that both analytic nuts and film grinders should be able to appreciate. They all “broke-out” their sophomore year and have good traits seen on film. When a player checks both of those boxes, I am officially intrigued. Keep reading to see my breakdowns of these potential sleepers.
Quartney Davis: 6’2″, 200 lbs., WR, Texas A&M
The well built Davis emerged as a weapon in 2018 carving a nice role in the offense while producing a break-out season of 45 catches for 585 yards and seven touchdowns. Though just a sophomore, Quartney led the WR group in all categories: catches, yards, and touchdowns. However, in 2019 Davis took a backseat to Jhamon Ausbon, falling to the WR2 position for the Aggies. This is probably why Quartney Davis is not highly regarded at this point in the process, as he statistically didn’t take a big step forward in his junior year. Despite not taking the reins in 2019, I still believe he can be a producer at the next level due to athleticism, frame, and ball skills.
Below are a few plays that impressed me and showed off his abilities as a pass-catcher.
This play against LSU shows a little bit of everything Davis can do. From the top of the screen, he explodes off the line, briefly shows a break to the corner before quickly and smoothly getting to the post. He then uses his 6’2″ frame to go up and make a tough catch between several LSU defenders. This is an NFL caliber play showing both nuance and natural ability.
Next, we have a simple fade against Ole Miss. Again at the top of the screen, Quartney shows good footwork to get a nice release and then uses his athleticism and size to finish the play. He makes this look easy and shows he can be a red-zone threat at the next level.
This screen pass below shows off the speed Davis possesses, essentially going untouched for the long touchdown. I believe Quartney will test well, running a 4.46-4.53 sec. 40-yard dash, and jump at least 35″ in the vertical. Those are solid numbers for a 6’2″, 200-pound player.
The play in the tweet seen below might be my favorite from Davis. Working from the slot this time, Quartney runs an out route and subtly pushes off to create some separation. He then adjusts to a less than perfect pass and makes the tough grab with the DB all over him.
I had a lot of fun watching Quartney Davis. He is physically gifted and shows the footwork and nuance to become a good route runner and dangerous weapon in the NFL. Quartney Davis has great upside, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts to rise up draft boards and gets drafted in Round 3 or 4 of the NFL Draft come April.
Marquez Callaway: 6’2″, 204 lbs., WR, Tennessee
When it comes to frame and production, Marquez Callaway is very similar to Quartney Davis. Both wide receivers possess good height and physically look like NFL WRs. Like Davis, Callaway produced a sophomore breakout season of 24 catches for 406 yards and five touchdowns. In Callaway’s junior year he took a step forward but was then overtaken by Jauan Jennings this past season. I don’t love seeing this, but once you see Callaway’s ability to catch the football, you may forget all about his disappointing senior year. Marquez Callaway is a contested-catch king! Enjoy the clips below:
There is not a whole lot to breakdown here. It’s pretty simple: Throw the ball in the general area of Marquez Callaway and he’s going to find a way to catch it. Callaway is not nearly as refined as Quartney Davis, and I do not think he is as athletic either, but he has something I am not sure can be taught, and that is absurd ball skills. If Callaway is willing to put the time in and work on the details of being a wide receiver, he could be special. This said I believe Callaway is a Day 3 pick due to the lack of route running technique and nuance.
Quintez Cephus: 6’1″, 207 lbs., WR, Wisconsin
This Junior WR is almost a blend of both Quartney Davis and Marquez Callaway. Cephus has excellent ball skills but has some of the refinement in his releases. Quintez Cephus, like the others, broke-out as a sophomore with 30 catches for 501 yards and six touchdowns. Cephus then missed the next season due to legal issues. When he re-took the field, he put together a very solid junior year, catching 59 passes for 901 yards and seven touchdowns. As mentioned above, Cephus wins with ball skills and releases, here are some clips below.
Quintez uses a nifty double release to get downfield against FAU. He then catches the back-shoulder throw and drags the DBs for extra yardage. Cephus is regularly a handful after the catch.
Another nice release, this time from the slot. Quintez adjusts to the underthrown ball a comes away with the football for the TD.
This time Cephus shows some speed, burning the CB for a long TD catch.
Here is a great release against an OSU CB. Once down the field, Quintez secures the catch with one hand.
Another example of getting downfield, this time making a great adjustment to the throw and an incredible grab.
Lastly, this is another great play against stiff competition. Like clockwork, Quintez Cephus easily gets off the line of scrimmage and makes a tough catch look easy.
Although I did not show any clips of this, Cephus is an effective slant route runner, and his toughness comes handy when working across the middle. I do not believe Cephus will be a star of the NFL Combine, but it doesn’t matter, he’s just a good football player. His releases, toughness, and ball skills will always make him a handful for DBs. I like Cephus’ style of play and hope he lands in a situation to succeed early in his NFL career. I could see Quintez sneak into Round 3 of the NFL Draft, but Rounds 4 or 5 seem more likely.
Keep an eye on these three WRs and monitor their stocks in the next few months. I wouldn’t be surprised if two or maybe even all three of them will be available in the fourth round of your rookie drafts. Getting talented WRs with a young breakout age in the later round is a great formula for rookie draft success.
Thanks for taking the time to read my article. For more dynasty content, you can follow me on Twitter @RookieWhisper.
