"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
Seems like he will be a replacement for either DPJ or Cooper in an ideal world.
You wonder if we wanted Hyatt
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
John 3:16 Jesus said "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
Only guy, in list of 400 from CBs 2 weeks ago, whom I accidently put started to put the star next to his name signifying a Browns pick, and what do you know, he becomes their first pick of the, well since the draft opened.
Can Deshaun Watson play better for the Browns, than Baker Mayfield would have? ... Now the Games count.
I actually like him over Hyatt. But once we got Moore, Goodwin, and resigned Grant...I thought WR was far less of an issue versus many other areas. Just irked we didn't get Abebawore or Simpson...I want defense
Giants screw the Browns initial pick? AB with no balls to move up?
How do you know we even wanted Hyatt?
John 3:16 Jesus said "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Why the F are we even drafting a WR???? that's our pressing need? WR won't help us when DWatson misses his 1st read and then takes off running like a chicken with his head cut off. This team is hard to root for
Why the F are we even drafting a WR???? that's our pressing need? WR won't help us when DWatson misses his 1st read and then takes off running like a chicken with his head cut off. This team is hard to root for
Then don't ...
John 3:16 Jesus said "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
STRENGTHS: Big, sturdy athlete with above-average length ... uses his frame to shield and secure catches ... strong, well-timed hands (only five career drops) ... has the body control to make adjustments downfield and the catch radius to attack throws away from his body ... physical demeanor vs. press and won’t get bullied off his route path ... runs with the build-up acceleration to get on top of cornerbacks vertically ... tracks the deep ball well (16 receptions of 25-plus yards over the past two seasons) ... can make the first man miss on screens ... has the body and play strength to knock back and beat up corners as a blocker ... caught a touchdown in nine of his final 13 games at Tennessee.
WEAKNESSES: Inefficient at the top of routes and must tighten up his footwork/body movements ... has work-back instincts underneath, but his sink-and-react is predictable ... ran a rudimentary route tree in the Tennessee offense and must develop a more detailed approach to it ... tends to lose his speed downfield and lacks a top gear ... not elusive and averaged only 2.9 YAC per reception in 2022 ... his success rate in contested situations tends to be hit or miss ... only lined up on the right side of the formation ... missed four games as a senior because of a left ankle injury (September 2022), which required tightrope surgery; also missed an additional two games (to rest his ankle).
SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Tennessee, Tillman was an outside receiver in head coach Josh Heupel’s up-tempo, spread offense, lining up exclusively on the right side of the formation. After a breakout junior season, his senior year was marred by an ankle injury, but he still finished top-10 all-time in Tennessee history in touchdown catches (17) and holds the school record for consecutive games (seven) with a touchdown grab. Tillman has above-average hands with the catching range [55] and body type to be effective on slants/stops/comebacks or when tracking downfield. He can open his stride and maintain his acceleration through the stem but lacks the short-area quickness or detailed urgency to easily create separation. Overall, Tillman might be limited to a linear route tree, but he is a big target with the acceleration, play strength and ball skills to exploit perimeter matchups. He has NFL starting traits as an X and should develop into a solid No. 2/3.
Tillman is a tall receiver with impressive route-running savvy, a big catch radius and strong hands. He does an excellent job tracking the deep ball and using his length to win 50-50 opportunities. He has a natural feel for contorting his body, timing his jumps and shielding defenders. Tillman picks up yards after the catch by making one quick move and dragging defensive backs for extra yards. -- Steve Muench
Matt Miller's NFL comp: DeVante Parker
He was Tennessee's #1 receiver over Hyatt until he got injured - and had a 1st Rd grade before the injury as well.
6'3 215. Big WR, good routes and good hands - also a bigger body for blocking in the run game. I'll take that over the 5'11 175 lbs Hyatt every day all things equal.
Cooper, DPJ, Tillman, Bell and Moore as the top 5 with Grant as a special teamer and Goodwin on the bubble. That's a reworked WR room and it needed it.
Fear us, for we are the BROWNS, led by the mighty BM! Only in Cleveland.
Most of (not all) of you posters are all over are rivals picks as great or fantastic, but we make one pick and it a disaster ... amazing GO BROWNS
John 3:16 Jesus said "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
I'll add those complaining about wanting Hyatt a pick earlier - we already got our "speedy, take the top off" WR in Moore. If he's all that and a bag of chips like everyone proclaimed when we traded for him, then you're perfectly fine passing on Hyatt and instead picking up a bigger WR in Tillman.
Fear us, for we are the BROWNS, led by the mighty BM! Only in Cleveland.
I like the pick, I think he's a good player and he'll make the other WRs that much better by providing competition. There was only a couple of players I liked better one was RT Dawand Jones from OSU and the other was LB Trent Simpson from Clemson.
We have A LOT of WRs haha. Clearly we hated that room
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
It's not like our WR room is loaded, we have Cooper, Moore who is still a bit of an unknown, DPJ, a well traveled Marquise Goodwin and a bunch of unknowns.
DPJ was not that top of an athlete, now, I like him, DPJ, but, I think you have a potential upgrade and if you continue to upgrade eventually some become tradeable.
Can Deshaun Watson play better for the Browns, than Baker Mayfield would have? ... Now the Games count.
I can't speak for others, but I believe there's more pressing needs...especially that front 7 that was gashed weekly last year....In fact, our LB core is essentially the same as last year. And nearly all of us were saying that front 4 needs drastic changes, and nearly everyone was in agreement that LB core needs totally retooled. With more dire needs at DT, DE, LB, 3rd safety, OT, Nickel, RB...To be fair the DT class has been picked over in regards to positioning thus far. Hopefully there's a lot of D help, and it would have been ideal at #74 IMO, as Tillman is slotted to play behind the likes of Amari, DPJ, Moore, Goodwin, Grant, perhaps Bell....that's essentially a bench role, for as of now. I'm sure they have larger plans in 2024....When Amari's cap situation, they may let DPJ walk in FA, Goodwin and Grant will probably be gone as well.
I can't speak for others, but I believe there's more pressing needs...especially that front 7 that was gashed weekly last year....In fact, our LB core is essentially the same as last year. And nearly all of us were saying that front 4 needs drastic changes, and nearly everyone was in agreement that LB core needs totally retooled. With more dire needs at DT, DE, LB, 3rd safety, OT, Nickel, RB...To be fair the DT class has been picked over in regards to positioning thus far. Hopefully there's a lot of D help, and it would have been ideal at #74 IMO, as Tillman is slotted to play behind the likes of Amari, DPJ, Moore, Goodwin, Grant, perhaps Bell....that's essentially a bench role, for as of now. I'm sure they have larger plans in 2024....When Amari's cap situation, they may let DPJ walk in FA, Goodwin and Grant will probably be gone as well.
You aren't wrong that we have a ton of holes still. Need lots of pieces. Sure would be nice if we actually had draft picks to address them. Alas we don't. And every time I bring it up (cough cough giving UP picks for Moore) I get booed off the thread. Well here ya go.
Fear us, for we are the BROWNS, led by the mighty BM! Only in Cleveland.
Browns suddenly can’t get enough receivers, check out their first pick in 2023 – Terry Pluto Updated: Apr. 28, 2023, 10:35 p.m.|Published: Apr. 28, 2023, 10:27 p.m.
By Terry Pluto, cleveland.com BEREA, Ohio – The Browns traded for receiver Elijah Moore and signed veteran Marquise Goodwin to add some speed and zip to the offense.
When the Browns finally drafted Friday night, they took Tennessee’s Cedric Tillman with the 74th selection.
Tillman was picked in the third round, where only about 15% of all selections end up being NFL starters. About 40% become role players.
That’s why the Browns were willing to draft a player coming off an injury – who had been projected as a higher pick at the start of the 2022 season.
In 2021, Tillman caught 12 TD passes. He averaged 16.9 yards per catch. That’s the player the Browns are projecting in the NFL.
Last season, Tillman played only six games (37 catches, 11.3-yard average) before he suffered a season-ending ankle injury that required surgery. The Browns are confident he’ll be healthy.
The Browns didn’t simply draft for a position. They believe in Tillman because of his size (6-foot-3, 213 pounds) and his ability to be a big target in the red zone.
“He plays a brand of football we’re tying to play,” said Browns Assistant GM Glenn Cook. “He’s a big, physical young man. It jumps out on film – the size and way he makes plays on defenders downfield.”
Here’s what Pro Football Focus wrote about Tillman: “Although an ankle injury has hampered his senior season, Cedric Tillman is back on the field and ready to show why he belongs in the top 50. A big, physical target at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he won’t be bullied off his route and shows smooth body control in and out of his breaks. His catch radius and athleticism are why he could be the first senior receiver drafted.”
Tillman spent five years at Tennessee. He is 23 years old. The Browns often draft younger players. That means they really like Tillman.
Let’s look at the key Cleveland receivers: Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, David Bell, Anthony Schwartz, Goodwin and Moore.
They are loading up for Deshaun Watson, and also giving coach Kevin Stefanski more options to add some sizzle to the offense.
Let's be honest, the WR room is Cooper, DPJ, Tillman, Bell, Moore, Grant and Goodwin now. I'd say Schwartz will be bagging groceries, but he'd probably drop them and run away from the shopping carts.
Fear us, for we are the BROWNS, led by the mighty BM! Only in Cleveland.
It's Cooper, Moore, and then this guy has a chance at 3 on the depth, but he hasn't taken an NFL snap yet, and DPJ knows a few things.
Bell may end up a good number 4, ... and Woods, I wouldn't be surprised if there is a future trade getting a return for one of these leaving, especially with Goodwyn around. and Schwartz. And Jakeem Grant too.
Can Deshaun Watson play better for the Browns, than Baker Mayfield would have? ... Now the Games count.
I like what Tillman brings to our WR room ... I just thought that his age might be an obstacle ... I like him more than Hyatt who is more of a one trick pony.
I like what Tillman brings to our WR room ... I just thought that his age might be an obstacle ... I like him more than Hyatt who is more of a one trick pony.
I think we still think about age, but the Covid year added a year to a lot of players college years.
Bottom line is we got a good receiver who if not for an injury his sr. year was on track to be a 1st round selection.
Moaners gonna moan.
Last edited by Ballpeen; 04/29/2302:49 AM.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
Not sure when 23 has ever been a bad age, I know I would like 23 again. This young man reminds me a lot of Allen Robinson coming out of Penn St. very similar size and skill set. I remember watching him 2 years ago when nobody heard of Jaylin Hyatt, he was the #1 for a very good reason. He is the son of a former NFL receiver and it shows the way he wins and runs routes. Good pick, GO Browns
looking at the tea leaves, he’s the replacement for DPJ and/or cooper. We aren’t going to pay one or both of them another contract.
Let’s hope he develops into an NFL WR. He’s not a separating type WR and has no speed.
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
I think it funny that YAC is an issue w/ him. YAC suffers when you catch it and are already in the end zone. Also when you snag balls barely in bounds, or are twisted up like a pretzel to make a catch out of a badly thrown ball or are in thick traffic as your QB watches only you the whole play. In the films I've seen his YAC appears to be fine, not outstanding but this is the third round, when he has an opportunity to actually use his skills. The Man catches about anything thrown near him and isn't afraid to go head to head w/ defenders.
I would have gone D but hey maybe that's why I'm here at home not in the 'War Room'.
Not sure when 23 has ever been a bad age, I know I would like 23 again. This young man reminds me a lot of Allen Robinson coming out of Penn St. very similar size and skill set. I remember watching him 2 years ago when nobody heard of Jaylin Hyatt, he was the #1 for a very good reason. He is the son of a former NFL receiver and it shows the way he wins and runs routes. Good pick, GO Browns
I agree. I was going to mention that Hyatt was the 2nd receiver for the Vols. Tillman was the #1. Living in Tennessee, I get all the news and it was all doom and gloom when Tillman was injured. Before Tillman was injured, he was widely mentioned as a 1st rounder. Maybe he would have, maybe he wouldn't, but he wouldn't have lasted to our pick so people should be very pumped about this pick.
Many Browns are so fickle it is funny. For the longest time it was all about our pitiful receivers. Now we didn't need one. LOL
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
I would have gone in a different direction because I see bigger holes and needs on D - but everything I see and read about this pick is very positive. I expect I'll like the player if he's anything close to as advertised - even if I don't like an extra WR here. Not sure which Browns have been talking about our pitiful WR - for the longest time they were supposed to be a strength that was being held back, I see Cooper, Moore & DPJ as a better trio than any others we've had in the last few years.
The more things change the more they stay the same.
The WR corp has changed dramatically in the past couple of months w/ Moore, Tillman, and Goodwin added. Although, I don't consider Goodwin a lock to make this team. It's next to nothing to cut him and he is 32.
Anyways, I'm intrigued by Tillman. I like his size and his instinct to go after the ball....I used the phrase "active pass catcher" in a DM earlier in the sense he is not afraid to go fight to get the ball rather than letting the ball come to him. I think he controls his body well. I think he is deceptively fast considering his size and can get some good separation.
I don't get all this talk about "need" or we shouldn't have picked a WR considering what we did in FA. This is EXACTLY what you want a FO to do when it comes to drafting players. Get a player you have graded commensurate with your pick. The grading process could be wrong (that's another issue) but don't draft a guy you have graded behind other guys just because it a overall position group weakness. At the time Tillman was selected, I'm not sure any D-Line player (specifically interior D-Line) was all that coveted at 74. Hell, people are saying Apu was a reach where we took him.
At DT, context and meaning are a scarecrow kicking at moving goalposts.
Sticking to your board is important. Not reaching for players based on need is important. There's a vertical and horizontal board - and all we got to do is hope we got it right. I've seen a few posters talk about Moore being an outside WR who has played there much more than the slot (although Berry/KS may have designs to move him to the Y), DPJ is an outside guy and Tillman looks to be a similar type WR. With picks like Schwartz and Bryant - I think Berry stuck to his board but got it wrong, or the guys have not worked out the way everyone hoped. As for other picks - there were viable LB worth a shot at #74. Daiyan Henley would have been a guy I would have been interested in.
But with all that said - I hope Tillman is the steal of the draft and becomes a star for the Browns.... And it's draft time people are going to love/hate and everything in between each of the Browns picks.
Last edited by mgh888; 04/29/2308:25 AM.
The more things change the more they stay the same.
I like this pick. He makes contested catches and isn't bullied by press coverage. I don't think he will ever be a star, but I think he could be a dependable WR that makes tough catches for first downs and touchdowns.
I like this pick. He makes contested catches and isn't bullied by press coverage. I don't think he will ever be a star, but I think he could be a dependable WR that makes tough catches for first downs and touchdowns.
Not sure, but I don't think it is permitted to have a positive opinion on this, or any Berry pick.
LOL...........I hear you, brother. It's depressing reading the constant negativity on this board. Hell, I think most of us don't know much about Tillman, but some are acting like Berry was stupid for making the pick. I've never even see Ika play and I bet most haven't, but they know he sucks.
Most of (not all) of you posters are all over are rivals picks as great or fantastic, but we make one pick and it a disaster ... amazing GO BROWNS
Our "rivals" had first and second round picks. That means much higher rated players. There's nothing there to be confused about.
As far as the Tillman pick I like it. While some of the Browns WR's aren't little guys, they haven't shown what I see in Tillman. While he's not an overly physical type WR, he seems to do quite well in tight window, contested balls. He was plagued with injuries in 2022 but his 2021 tape is amazing and the QB play at Tennessee wasn't nearly as good in 2021 as it was in 2022. If he can put on a little weight he can be much more physical.
He and Hyatt are very different WR's. It seems as though the Browns wanted the type of WR Tillman is to fill out a role they see as missing.
Maybe the Browns began to learn their lesson from Schwartz. Speed doesn't mean squat if you can't catch the ball. This kid can catch the ball.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
LOL...........I hear you, brother. It's depressing reading the constant negativity on this board. Hell, I think most of us don't know much about Tillman, but some are acting like Berry was stupid for making the pick. I've never even see Ika play and I bet most haven't, but they know he sucks.
Ika wouldn't have been my pick, but he does have some heavy hands. I'd like him better if our track record of developing DTs was better. If he can play with more consistent leg drive and leverage, he could be a good one. Moves well for his size. Not sure I've seen someone like him use a pretty fluid spin move on the interior before. Here's hoping Schwartz is the DL guru he's made out to be.
You mess with the "Bull," you get the horns. Fiercely Independent.
I agree I believe Tillman was the pick all along. Tillman was the Vols #1 WR last year but he just got the injured with the dreaded high ankle sprain. His play reminds me of a past Browns great in Reggie Langehorne. Tillman is actually bigger than Reggie. 6'3 215 lbs. That is very good size and he has plenty of production in his college career.
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money." Margarat Thatcher
Many Browns are so fickle it is funny. For the longest time it was all about our pitiful receivers. Now we didn't need one. LOL
What is just as funny are the Browns fans who will not criticize the Browns no matter what they do. Some of those same fans bitched about the Browns and their players when they didn’t like the owner or certain players. Such hypocrisy when we are still waiting for results from this group. Some posters can’t tolerate any criticism of the team without belittling people who have issues or don’t agree with every move. It’s weird and every bit as annoying as people who disagree with everything the team does.
That said, I have no issues with this draft. I think they did very well given the lack of picks. I’ve been waiting for a WR like this for a long time. I’m really looking forward to this year. My biggest concern is the strength of our division and the AFC overall.
Many Browns are so fickle it is funny. For the longest time it was all about our pitiful receivers. Now we didn't need one. LOL
What is just as funny are the Browns fans who will not criticize the Browns no matter what they do. Some of those same fans bitched about the Browns and their players when they didn’t like the owner or certain players. Such hypocrisy when we are still waiting for results from this group. Some posters can’t tolerate any criticism of the team without belittling people who have issues or don’t agree with every move. It’s weird and every bit as annoying as people who disagree with everything the team does.
That said, I have no issues with this draft. I think they did very well given the lack of picks. I’ve been waiting for a WR like this for a long time. I’m really looking forward to this year. My biggest concern is the strength of our division and the AFC overall.
I agree. You can find it many places. This thread is about WR, so I commented on that.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
I continue to love the Moore pick up. He’s a great athlete and dynamic. Tillman … ehh, not so much. Hope I’m wrong. But 1 out of 2 ain’t bad.
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
I agree. I was going to mention that Hyatt was the 2nd receiver for the Vols. Tillman was the #1. Living in Tennessee, I get all the news and it was all doom and gloom when Tillman was injured. Before Tillman was injured, he was widely mentioned as a 1st rounder. Maybe he would have, maybe he wouldn't, but he wouldn't have lasted to our pick so people should be very pumped about this pick.
Many Browns are so fickle it is funny. For the longest time it was all about our pitiful receivers. Now we didn't need one. LOL
This is something people who don't live in the area don't understand. Tillman was going into the 2022 season as the #1 WR for the Vols. If not for injuries he would have been. Anyone who questions his ability need only look at his 2021 stats. He brings a dimension to the WR room that was missing. That big, more physical presence that you can count on to get contested catches. The Browns seem to have learned a bit of a lesson from Schwartz. Playing the WR position isn't always about speed. Speed is something they have on the roster and you certainly need speed in your WR room. Getting a WR in the draft that is a reasonable facsimile of WR's you already have does nothing to increase variable WR skills. This was a great pick and huge value where they drafted him.
There is no such thing as the perfect FO. They all miss on draft picks. And the later in the draft a player is selected the higher the odds are you will miss on that selection. That's just how it is. But for me this pick shows they've learned from their mistakes and are improving. Overall I think they did a fine job with the picks they had. What more can anyone ask for?
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
He doesn't always get mentioned before his teammate Jalin Hyatt, but should Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman have more respect in the 2023 NFL Draft WR group?
Ian Cummings By Ian Cummings April 27, 2023
He’s not even recognized as the best positional prospect on his own team, but perhaps Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman deserves more respect as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect. A 2022 season marred by injuries has sent Tillman back under the radar, but he has the tools to make a difference for an NFL team.
Football has always been a family affair for Tillman. His father, Cedric Cornell Tillman, played in the NFL in the 1990s. He was drafted in the 11th round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Against the odds, Tillman Sr. carved out a respectable four-year career. Already, the younger Tillman is following that same path — but with his eyes on even greater heights.
Like his father, Tillman was overlooked at first. Despite racking up 37 catches for 774 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior at football factory Bishop Gorman in Nevada, Tillman was a low three-star recruit in the 2018 class. He received few offers and ultimately signed with Tennessee.
Tillman redshirted as a freshman with the Volunteers. And across his first three seasons at Tennessee, he caught just eight total passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Tillman was expected to take on a greater role in 2021 after the departure of Josh Palmer, but no one anticipated the degree to which he would emerge.
Tillman quickly became the favorite target of new QB Hendon Hooker, and across 12 games in 2021, he amassed 64 catches for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns. He ended the year on an absolute tear, picking up 41 catches for 787 yards and nine scores in the final six games.
Unfortunately for Tillman, a lingering ankle injury limited him to just six total games in 2022. Rarely was he fully healthy, and that injury prevented him from sustaining his momentum from 2021. Nevertheless, Tillman put up a respectable 37-417-3 stat line in that six-game window.
Even so, Tillman’s lesser production in his final season has rendered him a relative afterthought in the 2023 WR class. But as more people look at Tillman’s 2021 tape and his highlights in 2022, the Tennessee WR is making his way back up the board.
Cedric Tillman Scouting Report Despite the lacking production in 2022, Tillman provided plenty of reason for optimism when he was on the field. In a class that’s in dire straits when it comes to size, Tillman is a receiver prospect who fits the X mold perfectly.
Positives At 6’3″, 213 pounds, Tillman has a strong, dense, and well-proportioned frame with great length. He also has solid functional athleticism for his size. The Tennessee WR brings great explosive capacity out of his stance, both vertically and laterally. He has the foot quickness to accelerate fairly well with runways. Especially in space, he opens up his strides and explodes upfield.
Going further, Tillman has good lateral quickness for his size. He can generate displacement with fast initial footwork. He’s not elite in this area yet, but Tillman noticeably improved his efficiency of motion as 2021 went on. Over time, he appeared lighter on his feet and more agile, and this carried over into 2022 when he was healthy.
Moreover, Tillman shows off definite twitch for his size when cutting his stems. He can generate sudden lateral movement and flashes the ability to float out of transitions and sink his hips suddenly on direction changes. While he could channel it more often, Tillman has solid explosiveness and agility, and his weight transfers are predominantly smooth.
Tillman’s NFL Combine performance helped confirm the athleticism that’s visible on tape. Tillman tested with exceptional explosiveness numbers at his size, recording a 37″ vertical and a 10’8″ broad jump. He also ran a 4.54 40-yard dash with a superb 1.53 10-yard split. His 40-yard speed is good, and with his long-strider athleticism, his 60-yard speed is even better.
Tillman has the size and athleticism to be a legitimate boundary weapon in the NFL, but an even more compelling part of his game is his hand strength and catching instincts. Tillman is very independent and composed in contested situations, and his ability at the catch point can easily translate to the next level.
Tillman can contort while tightly covered and still make accurate adjustments for passes. The Tennessee WR is very smooth rising to adjust for passes when coming back to the ball. He can make high-difficulty adjustments in stride and consistently gets his hands in the right place. Even more impressive, Tillman’s leverage adjustments are very quick, sometimes with little time to react. He has great hand/eye coordination and naturally flows to the ball to corral imprecise passes.
Downfield, Tillman has great ball-tracking ability and has shown to use diamond technique and catch the ball away from his frame. The Tennessee WR’s length allows him to extend far beyond his frame to secure throws, minimizing risk of disruption. Furthermore, he has the hand strength to haul in passes in tight spaces, even with the threat of immediate contact. Together, Tillman’s size, high-level hand strength, and instincts result in persisting reliability at the catch point.
While Tillman is a big-bodied receiver with natural instincts, his elite physicality is what truly makes him a force to be reckoned with. Tillman has an extremely physical edge and can scrape off DBs to compound separation. His long, strong frame allows him to outmuscle defenders, and he proactively fights jams, excelling at keeping himself clean. Tillman uses his length extremely well when imposing physicality and carving out space.
Going further, Tillman effectively supplements footwork on releases with one- and two-handed swipes and jabs. He uses swipes to attain desired leverage, whether inside or outside. On releases, he stays square with defenders and maintains synergy between his footwork and hand usage. Tillman can also tempo his releases to manipulate defenders, a skill he’s steadily improved at employing.
If you’re looking for a weakness in Tillman’s profile, you won’t find it with his route running. The Tennessee WR has surprising stopping ability for his size. He can stab a halt-step and quickly snap around on deep hitches and comebacks, while also bringing urgent energy on breaks.
Tillman’s able to press upfield with throttle control, then whisk his head back around. Overall, for his size, he’s a very nuanced separator, with the foot speed, hip sink, spatial awareness, and attention to detail to win against NFL CBs 1-on-1.
After the catch, Tillman has an aggressive demeanor. He’ll shoot his hands and fight to stay on his feet with stiff arms. His dense frame can absorb initial contact to a degree. He can also keep his legs churning through arm tackles, then quickly recollect his feet and accelerate upfield. Tillman isn’t fazed by opposing physicality and consistently finishes forward in RAC situations. He’s also able to reset his feet ahead of short passes to maximize RAC yards.
Finally, Tillman brings utility as a blocker as well. The Tennessee WR’s size affords him great natural ability as a blocker. He squares up defenders and fully extends to exert power. Moreover, he has the desired urgency and demeanor in the blocking phase. Tillman can channel force through blocks, but also understands leverage and drive DBs downfield. More often than not, he’s an assignment-sound blocker who can sustain blocks through plays.
Areas for Improvement Tillman’s profile is surprisingly well-rounded, given his relative lack of buzz in the 2023 NFL Draft WR class. Even so, there are flaws and areas of improvement to note. While he’s a great athlete for his size, Tillman doesn’t quite have elite initial burst or long speed. His speed, while exceptional in the open field, is more of the build-up variety, and he works most effectively with a runway.
Tillman’s route-running projection is strong, but he’s still imperfect coming from Tennessee’s offense. Tillman occasionally plays too tall as a route runner and still has room to be a bit more consistent sinking his hips with efficiency. When he plays too upright, he hinders his ability to effectively sink his hips and manipulate space. Naturally, Tillman still has room to expand his route tree, although he does have the foot speed and physicality to hold his own against press.
There are times when Tillman times his extensions a bit too early at the catch point. He can let the ball roll off his hands and into his torso. While he’s a reliable contested threat, he’s not quite as consistent with defenders inside his frame. There are times downfield when he’ll give up positioning and fail to attack the ball, giving defenders opportunities underneath.
Finally, as a run blocker, Tillman doesn’t always generate power efficiently, which can impact his ability to maintain lanes for ball carriers.
Current Draft Projection for Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman Tillman is incredibly high on my board at the WR position. For me, he’s a top-five WR prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft and worthy of top-50 consideration. He’s also ranked higher than his teammate Jalin Hyatt. With his testing, production, and size unique to the class, Tillman could go early Round 2, and he’d be a phenomenal value pick farther down the board.
Often with larger receivers, there’s a concern that they don’t have the requisite athleticism or route-running prowess to be more than contested-catch threats at the NFL level. That’s not the case with Tillman. His catching instincts are a big part of his game, but the Tennessee WR also has great functional athleticism and foot speed at 6’3″, 213 pounds.
Tillman is an explosive, streamlined athlete with great throttle control and solid hip flexibility, and he’s shown to use his traits to separate 1-on-1. He uses space well, presses upfield into stems, and uses his combined nuance and relentless physicality to peel off of defensive backs. When the ball comes his way, he’s incredibly proficient at making adjustments and brings physicality after the catch as well.
With his size, hand strength, and hyper-aggressive style, Tillman can be a handful for defenders on the boundary. But factor in his athletic profile and route-running ability, and he has the tools to be a true complete alpha X-receiver on the boundary. Stylistically, he brings shades of Michael Pittman Jr. — a Colts second-round pick in 2020, who eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in 2021.
Tillman’s late breakout could cause hesitance for some, as could his injury history. And while he’s a great route runner, he still has room to keep improving there. But regardless, as long as Tillman can stay healthy and hover near 100%, he has the tools to be an impact starter on the boundary in the NFL.
Cedric Tillman really took his game to another vs elite defenses Like Georgia and Alabama. That's a huge plus. Schwartz and DPJ could never do that at Michigan or Auburn I think the drafting of Tillman will be needed competition for DPJ DPJ has been handed a job and now he will have to earn it. The additions of Tillman Moore and Goodwin might just Take snaps away from DPJ.
You have to like reading this part about getting off the line.
While Tillman is a big-bodied receiver with natural instincts, his elite physicality is what truly makes him a force to be reckoned with. Tillman has an extremely physical edge and can scrape off DBs to compound separation. His long, strong frame allows him to outmuscle defenders, and he proactively fights jams, excelling at keeping himself clean. Tillman uses his length extremely well when imposing physicality and carving out space.
Can Deshaun Watson play better for the Browns, than Baker Mayfield would have? ... Now the Games count.
The kid was one of the top ranked WRs coming into the 2022 season. He then got a bad injury to his ankle. Picking in the 3rd round for our first pick we swung for the fences. Nobody knows about these things. If you get a kid who will work hard and wants to be the best player then you have a shot. He has talent. Run good routes and catch the ball. He has excellent size for Red Zone miss matches. I'm sure the pick was not for need but for BPA. And it is incorrect by our Asst. GM its not you can't have enough WRs...it should be you can't have enough "GOOD" WRs.
jmho
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off! Go Browns! CHRIST HAS RISEN! GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
That clip with Berry is now the common perspective: that we are going to be really passing the ball a lot. 4 and 5 wides.
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
hope he better than our '89 2nd round pick--Lawyer Tillman. Played '89,'92 and '93 with Browns with 36 receptions,636 rec yds,3 rec TD and 1 fumble TD in 32 games. Finished 4 yr career in '95 at Carolina.
I bleed Seal Brown,Burnt Oranage and White w/Chrome. It's a proud honored birthright and family tradition.
That clip with Berry is now the common perspective: that we are going to be really passing the ball a lot. 4 and 5 wides.
But they will also use new Tight End Jordan Akins Akins has this thing as a Tight End player, where, after he secures the catch he turns up field for the end zone. It's amazing, it's the weirdest thing.
Can Deshaun Watson play better for the Browns, than Baker Mayfield would have? ... Now the Games count.
Had to try something and I love these guys with former players as parents. The family being structured around organized sports is a trait that cannot be measured.
That clip with Berry is now the common perspective: that we are going to be really passing the ball a lot. 4 and 5 wides.
But they will also use new Tight End Jordan Akins Akins has this thing as a Tight End player, where, after he secures the catch he turns up field for the end zone. It's amazing, it's the weirdest thing.
YAC is somewhat of a foreign concept to our pass catchers
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
That clip with Berry is now the common perspective: that we are going to be really passing the ball a lot. 4 and 5 wides.
But they will also use new Tight End Jordan Akins Akins has this thing as a Tight End player, where, after he secures the catch he turns up field for the end zone. It's amazing, it's the weirdest thing.
YAC is somewhat of a foreign concept to our pass catchers
I think some of that sits with the QB. If a receiver has a step, but has to wait for the ball, YAC is going to be hard to attain. If he is hit in stride YAC isn't hard to attain.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
That clip with Berry is now the common perspective: that we are going to be really passing the ball a lot. 4 and 5 wides.
But they will also use new Tight End Jordan Akins Akins has this thing as a Tight End player, where, after he secures the catch he turns up field for the end zone. It's amazing, it's the weirdest thing.
YAC is somewhat of a foreign concept to our pass catchers
I think some of that sits with the QB. If a receiver has a step, but has to wait for the ball, YAC is going to be hard to attain. If he is hit in stride YAC isn't hard to attain.
That could be the case. We’ll find out (I hope) that Watson makes us better in all regards
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
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