Vikings Visit with Sleeper WR Prospect

Sep 23, 2023; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; UTSA Roadrunners wide receiver Joshua Cephus (2) catches a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings have been hard at work over the past few days conducting top 30 visits with NFL Draft prospects.

A main focus in these visits has come on the defensive side of the ball, but on Wednesday, it was reported that the Vikings visited with a sleeper WR prospect who could be an interesting target in Day 3. That wide receiver is Joshua Cephus, who played five collegiate at UTSA.

Vikings Visit with Sleeper WR Prospect

Vikings Visit
Sep 23, 2023; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; UTSA Roadrunners wide receiver Joshua Cephus (2) celebrates a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reported that the Vikings visited with Cephus a couple days ago, and they will have another virtual meeting on Wednesday. Wilson tweeted, “Wide receiver Joshua Cephus @joshua_cephus @UTSAFTBL, 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.”

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.

K.J. Osborn had served as the Vikings’ WR3 over the past three years, recording at least 48 receptions and over 500 yards in each of them. However, he inked a new contract with the New England Patriots this offseason, hoping to garner a larger role in that offense.

Oct 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn (17) carries the ball for an incomplete touchdown during the first half of the NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

After spending his freshman season of 2019 as a depth player for UTSA, Cephus has been a consistent playmaker for the Roadrunners over the past four seasons. He’s had 50+ receptions, 500+ receiving yards, and at least five touchdowns.

This production was capped off with a 2023 season of 86 receptions for 1151 yards and 10 touchdowns. Each of these totals ranked among the top three players in the AAC this past year.

Sep 2, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; UTSA Roadrunners wide receiver Joshua Cephus (2) makes a reception and runs for a touchdown as Houston Cougars defensive back Malik Fleming (15) defends during the fourth quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

In addition to his receiving responsibilities, Cephus has dabbled in the punt returning area as well. Over the past two seasons, he recorded 10 punt returns for 52 yards, and he also returned one kickoff for 12 yards during the 2022 season.

Cephus did not attend the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this spring and turned 23 years old back in March.


Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Sports Reference CFB.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.