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Former Tennessee Vols star has to be chomping at the bit with the NFL opportunity he has in front of him

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 6:28 PM ET

The Tennessee Vols have produced plenty of offensive talent for the NFL over the past decade. Players like Alvin Kamara continue to lead the way with consistent performance. Now, one former Vol has a prime opportunity to become a focal point of his NFL team’s offense.

Cedric Tillman broke out in 2021 for the Vols with 1,081 receiving yards but was limited to just six games during his senior season in 2022 due to injury. If not for that setback, the Cleveland Browns likely wouldn’t have been able to draft Tillman in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Former Vols WR Cedric Tillman has a great opportunity ahead

Tillman appeared poised for a breakout with the Browns last season after the team moved on from Amari Cooper, allowing him to rise up the depth chart. The former Tennessee standout recorded over 75 receiving yards in three straight games from Weeks 7 to 9, finishing with 339 receiving yards in total. However, he missed the final six games of the season with a concussion, and his production dropped off due to his absence.

Cedric Tillman pic.twitter.com/k9J9gkXLlA
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) November 7, 2024

Cleveland made a somewhat surprising decision not to make changes to the wide receiver room for the most part, which could indicate how much confidence they have in the 6-foot-3 Tillman. The Browns added veteran WR Diontae Johnson, but he’s on a minimum deal and is no lock to make the final roster after a tumultuous season that saw him bounce between three NFL teams. Jerry Jeudy is locked in as the Browns’ WR1, but Tillman is positioned as the next man up as an ideal second wideout option.

While the Browns will continue to rely heavily on tight end David Njoku, the 2025 season presents a real opportunity for Tillman to take a leap forward. Now entering his third NFL season, he has his footing and has already shown flashes of his potential. If the former Vol can stay healthy, don’t be surprised if 2025 turns into a breakout year for him.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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