Cleveland Browns Draft Analysis: Cedric Tillman's Impact and Potential
The Cleveland Browns selected Cedric Tillman, a wide receiver from the University of Tennessee, with the 74th overall pick in the NFL draft. Standing at 6'3" and 213 pounds, Tillman brings a physical "bully ball" style of play to Cleveland's offense.
Strengths:
- Aggressive at the point of attack, excelling in 50/50 ball situations
- Impressive production with 108 catches, 1,498 yards, and 15 TDs in his last 18 college games
- Averaged 16.9 yards per catch in 2021 (2nd in SEC)
- Strong performer against top competition (24 catches, 420 yards, 2 TDs vs Georgia/Alabama)
- Excellent blocker in the run game, helping Tennessee's rushing attack
Weaknesses:
- Lacks top-end speed to create separation
- Coming off ankle surgery that caused him to miss 6 games
- Struggles against press coverage, particularly versus physical corners
- Needs technical refinement in release moves
Value Assessment: B+ The Browns got good value at pick 74, selecting a pro-ready receiver who can contribute immediately, especially in the red zone and on third downs. While other options like Josh Downs were available, Tillman's size and physical play style filled a specific need for Cleveland's offense.
For Tillman to maximize his potential, he'll need to develop better techniques for beating press coverage - particularly important in the AFC North against physical corners like Marlon Humphrey and Patrick Peterson. If he can add finesse to his already imposing physical presence, he could become a significant weapon for quarterback Deshaun Watson.
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