Cure Bowl 2022: Top 3 2023 NFL draft prospects to watch

2. Joshua Cephus, WR, UTSA

Joshua Cephus was one of two targets that quarterback Frank Harris favored this season. Cephus led the Roadrunners in receptions (87) this season. He was the underneath possession receiver for UTSA. When Harris and the Roadrunners’ offense needed a first down, he often found Cephus to move the chains.

His coaches and scouts love his size (6-foot-3, 190 pounds) and his versatility at receiver. Cephus can line up and play either in the slot or outside. Receivers like Cephus have 10-15 year careers because of their ability to get open and get first downs. Those are two things the All-Conference USA selection excelled at doing.

Cephus has good hands and rarely drops passes. He possesses solid body control with a solid first step off of the line. He attacks the ball at the top of the route and fights for 50/50 balls. One of the reasons he is proficient at catching contested passes is that he is not a burner. Cephus does not separate very well down the field but uses his quick first step and polished route running to get defenders off him.

Despite the lack of top-end speed, Cephus is electric in the open field, making defenders miss. He’ll be an asset as a third or fourth possession option at the next level.