Wide Recievers

Cedric Tillman (Browns) NFL Draft Preview

By Patrick Whelan

Posted on April 13, 2023

Post-Draft Fantasy Impact

Draft Team: Cleveland Browns, Round 3, 11th pick (74th pick overall)

Given his injury history, a third-round selection feels about right given how risk-averse NFL teams are in the draft process. That being said, I’ll continue to beat the fantasy drum for Cedric Tillman, both because of the skills he possesses, but now also because of his quietly good landing spot. Tillman could be a hidden gem in your fantasy drafts.

I’ve outlined the skills below, so let’s zoom in on the landing spot. On its face, Cleveland looks like a mediocre team to be drafted into as a wide receiver. They were 20th in passing yards per game, were 5th in rushes attempted, and already have an established #1 WR in Amari Cooper. Not to mention they traded for Elijah Moore, and have Donovan Peoples-Jones who quietly had over 800 yards receiving. But there is ample upside to be had here.

First, Deshaun Watson was awful last year. If he can get even half of his previous form back, this team leans much more heavily into the pass offense and is much more balanced, meaning more balls to go around. And Elijah Moore is a slot receiver all day, meaning the only player in Tillman’s way for playing time is Donovan Peoples-Jones. Jones has overachieved in his career but is really an average pro wide receiver and is in the last year of his contract.

All this to say, the future looks bright in Cleveland and Tillman has the skills to be demand targets in this offense. I’m not overly concerned with his injury history, and view him as a major buy in the third round of dynasty drafts. If he can form a connection with Watson, I truly believe Tillman could be a future top-12 wide receiver in fantasy.

Cedric Tillman NFL Draft Preview

Potentially the most slept-on member of this class, Cedric Tillman has all the makings of an NFL wide receiver. He has great size and athleticism and showed true production in college. Unfortunately, an ankle injury robbed him of much of his redshirt senior season, but he showed incredible toughness to return from the injury early to try and help Tennessee make it to the college football playoff. Because of that time off, I think a lot of people are forgetting about what Tillman can do, and he quieted a lot of injury talk with a great showing at the combine. I think an NFL team will take a chance on Tillman earlier than expected, and that draft capital will see him as a riser in dynasty circles.

Cedric Tillman does things that are hard to find at WR! pic.twitter.com/37kn7CtHgP

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) April 2, 2023

Measurables

• 6’3″ 213 lbs
• 40-yard dash – 4.54 seconds
• Vertical Jump – 37″
• Broad Jump – 10’8″

Stats at Tennessee

• 2022: 37 catches, 417 yards, 3 TDs
• 2021: 64 catches, 1081 yards, 12 TDs
• 2020: 3 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD
• 2019: 4 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD
• 2018: 1 catch, -3 yards, 0 TDs (redshirt)

POSITIVES

The first thing that pops into Cedric Tillman’s tape is his competitiveness and toughness. He may have to tone it down a bit in the NFL to avoid offensive pass interference calls, but Tillman is a tough customer at the line, while the ball is in the air, and after the catch. His physicality is unmatched in the class. It also greatly aids his traffic and contested catching, as he has no issues shielding and defeating defenders at the point of catch. Has terrific ball skills and excels at deep balls. His big size gives him a great frame and catch radius.

WR Cedric Tillman

Could be a strong n2 in NFL and not a N1 because of his average athleticism.
His Ball skills are elites and has a strong catch radius.

He is a menace in the boundary and had a great production against great CBs.

Route tree need to be developed.

Rd 2-3 talent pic.twitter.com/mdq4K4oSmi

— Valentin (@ScoutValentin) April 13, 2023

NEGATIVES

Explosion off the line is below the desired pace and could create separation issues in the NFL. Not a top-end speed guy, won’t take the top off the defense with his speed, and is probably a step slower than you would want for your outside receiver. Can get a bit lazy on breaks and routes as he trusts his catch ability a bit too much.

Grade: B+ (88)

I absolutely loved what I saw out of Tillman on his 2021 tape. He’s the ultimate gamer, highly physical through all parts of the game, and with a motor that is unmatched in this class. Much of his 2022 film is throw away because he was never himself after the high ankle sprain, which has him slept on a bit in dynasty circles. He will never be a game-breaker like Tyreek Hill, but his size and catch ability have huge potential in the NFL. The injury concerns are warranted and dampen his grade a bit, but I’m targeting Tillman in the second round of my dynasty drafts.