Lions wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El spoke highly of Cephus (collarbone) when discussing Detroit's search for a true No. 1 option to handle the X role on the outside, Tim Twentyman of the team's official site reports. "I feel like Q was really taking some strides before he got hurt," Randle El said last week at the Senior Bowl. "You see flashes in Q for sure because Q just has this unbelievable - like he can get off the field and jump. Being able to just put it up (to him) and make a play. You see him go up one hand and be able to come down with it."
The Lions are well-stocked with short-range weaponry but are lacking in downfield targets, especially with Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond set to become unrestricted free agents. However, Cephus clearly impressed his coaches when healthy last season, and it seems like he could have a chance to claim a starting role in 2022. While it's possible that a large offseason investment via the draft or free agency could prevent that from happening, Cephus at least seems likely to be a key part of the rotation going forward.