Physicality Will Set Cedric Tillman Apart
Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Rookies will do whatever they can to make an impact, and so far in his time with the Cleveland Browns, wide receiver Cedric Tillman is making his presence known — and he’s doing it in his own unique way.
The third-round pick out of the University of Tennesee made a strong first impression in real action when the Browns took down the New York Jets in the Hall of Fame game in Canton. However, it wasn’t his two catches for 35 yards on three targets that stood out.
In Cleveland’s 21-16 win, Tillman showcased his physicality on the outside and also turned in a strong blocking performance that allowed the running game to thrive when he was on the field. That type of performance is allowing Tillman to stand out in a wide receiver room that is full of talent. The former Volunteer is like nothing like the other pieces the Browns have at the moment either.
At 6’3”, 213 lbs. Tillman is the tallest receiver in the room, standing above Amari Cooper (6’1”) and Donovan Peoples-Jones (6’2”). He also weighs at least 10 lbs. more than every other receiver in the room, outside of Cooper (211).
This gives Tillman certain advantages.
With the Browns moving to more of a wide-open offensive scheme, wide-receiver depth is going to be paramount. With a different skillset than the others, Tillman can slot in perfectly alongside Cooper, Peoples-Jones, Elijah Moore, and Marquise Goodwin, who is currently out with health issues related to blood clots.
Moore and Goodwin will stretch defenses with their speed, Cooper is a talented route runner who has become one of the best receivers in the league, and Peoples-Jones has been a reliable option over the past few years. This is where Tillman comes into play. With his size and ability to make contested catches in tight spaces, he provides Deshaun Watson with another solid option. Most importantly, he gives the Browns a physical presence on the outside.
Over the past few years, the Browns have relied on running back Nick Chubb to establish the running game. With Watson now under center, you may see head coach Kevin Stefanksi maneuver to more of a pass-heavy offense, which could take the pressure off of Chubb in the backfield.
When the Browns do run the ball though, don’t be surprised if they run it Tillman’s way.
Chubb is more of a between-the-tackles running back, but with Tillman’s ability to block defensive backs and linebackers, he will be able to bounce his runs to the outside and utilize his size and speed to take on defenders in the open field.
With defenses forced to defend the pass more often, that will mean the former Georgia Bulldog, who is listed at 5’11”, 227 lbs., will be taking on more defensive backs than linebackers. It will create mismatches all season long and lead to bigger gains on the ground.
Not only will Chubb benefit, but Watson will as well. Throughout his career, Watson has always been a mobile quarterback, and having Tillman as a blocker in those scrambling situations will only help.
Tillman has also showcased the ability to use his size and strength to create space throughout his career. Whether it’s at the top of his route when he’s trying to work away from his defender or when he’s trying to bully his way into position during short-yardage situations, Tillman uses his body to get where he needs to go.
It is a unique trait that makes him stand out in Cleveland’s receiver room.
The third-round pick has also showcased a strong pair of hands throughout his college career. He made several catches in small windows during his time at Tennessee and recently showed the same talents during a practice against the Philadelphia Eagles.
#Browns rookie WR Cedric Tillman makes an excellent leaping TD catch from Deshaun Watson in one-on-ones over #Eagles veteran CB Avonte Maddox pic.twitter.com/rUJGWN97Bz
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 16, 2023
Although he was a third-round pick, Tillman is up against a lot of talent as he looks to earn playing time. But, with his unique skillset and his ability to set himself apart as a rookie, he’s making an impact and giving coaches something to think about.
Up Next