2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cedric Tillman (WR – Tennessee)

As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Cedric Tillman.

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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cedric Tillman (WR – Tennessee)

Cedric Tillman (WR – Tennessee)

6’3″ – 215 lbs.

Background:

Father Cedric also played receiver in the NFL, and his brother Jamir played receiver at Navy. Spent his first three seasons playing very sparingly (a total of 8-124-2 over the period), then burst onto the scene with a monster 2021 campaign of 64-1,081-12 (16.9); ended up missing time this past season after getting injured three games into the year, finishing with 37-417-3 (11.3) over a total of six appearances.

Positives:

Big, well-built receiver; looks like a prototypical split end but also takes some snaps out of the slot. Has a pretty good release package and can deal with physicality at the line. Works back to the ball when running hitches, curls, and comebacks. Sinks his hips into the stem and shows attention to detail in his footwork. Presents a huge, reliable target and could be a weapon in the red zone because of his ability to elevate and win over the top. Does a nice job of tracking and adjusting to throws. Very strong pair of hands with nice technique; hides his hands. Can reliably snatch the ball away from his frame. Has a galloping running style and is competitive after the catch, fighting for additional yardage, although he’s more likely to punish opponents than pick up additional chunks. Flashes a mean streak and can overpower opponents on contact in the run game.

Negatives:

Sort of a one-year wonder whose final season was marred by injury. Doesn’t have a lot of speed, explosiveness, or quickness to his game, despite his excellent yards-per-catch figures. Consequently, might struggle to create separation against man coverage; many of his longer catches are routes where he’s coming down with jump balls/contested catches or working against zone coverage. Actual route tree was kind of limited, with a lot of hitches, curls, over routes, and clearing patterns. Would like to see him settle into soft spots against zone more effectively rather than gliding into coverage. Some rushing attempts where he lapses into spectating rather than engaging opponents.

Summary:

Pretty much has the type of game his size would suggest. Has the strength to deal with contact through the route and at the catch point and presents his quarterback with a forgiving target that can track and adjust to throws, pluck the ball away from his frame, or climb the ladder and come down with 50-50 balls. Shows attention to detail on the routes he runs but will probably have to diversify his tree and show more consistent physicality and effort in the run game. Might require a quarterback who trusts him in tight coverage.

Projection: Round 2-3