At the trade deadline on Tuesday afternoon, it seemed like it would be uneventful for the Cleveland Browns. However, a late trade sent wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones to the Detroit Lions. After seeing his solid production from last year dwindle to nothing, it made sense. That being said, wide receiver Cedric Tillman can now be excited about the opportunity at hand.
Wide Receiver Cedric Tillman Brings Unique Skill Set to Cleveland Offense
Slow Start, Fast Finish
The rookie out of Tennessee spent all of his college years with the Volunteers, with a very slow start. Unlike most NFL wide receivers, Tillman did not see an opportunity to showcase his abilities right away. His freshman campaign he saw just one catch on the season resulting in negative yardage.
His next two years resulted in much of the same, with three and fours catches the next two seasons respectively. With just 124 receiving yards in his first three seasons, expectations for Tillman were up in the air. The 2021 season brought an unforgettable season for wide receiver Cedric Tillman and Tennessee. His usage and numbers were incredible, posting 64 receptions and 1,081 receiving yards, as well as 12 touchdowns.
Big Game Player
The 2021 season for wide receiver Cedric Tillman featured the first 1,000-yard season by a Tennessee wideout since 2012. He also set a program record by recording a touchdown reception in seven straight games. In arguably the two biggest games he played in his college career, he rose to the occasion. He posted 10 catches, 200 yards, and a touchdown against a tough Georgia defense. Tillman also found the endzone against Alabama, adding seven catches and 152 yards.
This impressive season and ending meant Tillman could see more of the same his final season with the team. His final year at Tennessee started how the last one ended for Tillman. He had nine catches, 162 yards, and the game-winning touchdown against Pittsburgh. However, in the following game against Akron, he suffered a tough ankle injury.
In over two games of play Tillman had nearly 250 yards to start the season prior to the ankle injury which kept him out for four games. Tillman used an ankle surgery to fight back for his team, even with many believing the NFL was in his future regardless. He finished with a respectable 37 receptions, 417 yards, and three touchdowns on the year.
Wide Receiver Cedric Tillman at The Professional Level
The 2021 campaign impressed many teams around the league including the Cleveland Browns. Even with the injury woes, Tillman was selected with the 74th pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Browns. He joined a room that saw some changes from last year, with an opportunity to step in if needed.
That chance has come, with the departure of People-Jones midway through the season. With two experienced receivers ahead of him with good route running and speed, Tillman brings a different skullset to the table. At 6’3, he can be the contested catch addition the Browns quarterbacks can rely on in the air. His unique blend of size and hands make him a viable option with no clear-cut third option out wide.
If Tillman can make his best plays against NFL talent in college, he should be able to give a spark with this offense. With only four games, three targets, and one reception, Tillman will be an essential guy to see increased usage for the Browns.
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