Draft Analysis: Cedric Tillman

January 4, 2023 /
  • Height: 6’3″
  • Weight: 213 lb
  • College: Tennessee
  • Tape watched: Pittsburgh, Ball State, 2021 South Carolina, 2021 Alabama
  • College Comparison: JuJu Smith-Schuster

Pros

  • Physicality
    The main staple of his game, Tillman invites contact in every phase of football. Built like a linebacker, Tillman will have no issue with the physical transition to the NFL. He is incredibly difficult to tackle because of his wide frame and powerful leg drive. He possesses a nice stiff arm after the catch and a jolting punch during blocking and press release.
  • Contested Catches
    Unconscious in the air, Tillman’s focus on the football is outstanding. He tracks the ball well and the potential for contact does not disrupt the catch. He shields the ball extremely well with his body.
  • Body Control
    Bigger receivers have to have great body control to excel at the top levels of football, and Tillman does not disappoint. He contorts his body through the air and adjusts to every off balance catch. He finds the football well and makes difficult catches around, and through, defenders.
  • Blocking
    The run game could be part of a dominant package for Tillman, with slight improvements. He can show the ability to drive defenders completely out of plays. He is detailed in his stalk, and positions his feet well for leverage. Tillman has shown to grab outside the pads and turn his defenders at times however.
Back to back excellent blocking reps from Tillman.

Midline

  • Route Running
    Today’s NFL covets route runners, specifically ones that create tons of separation and create easy throws for the quarterback. While separation isn’t Cedric Tillman’s calling card, he is detailed enough to win in ways you would expect. He is physical through his whole route, inviting contact when it benefits him. He leans on defenders and creates enough of a catch point for quarterbacks to take advantage of. He could benefit from fighting and closing the door more on deep routes via stacking the defender.
This is how to win as a big receiver. Lean on your defender until you can snap back to the ball/quarterback. Plenty of space is created here by Tillman springing off of his cornerback. He keeps the defender on his back hip with no play on the football if thrown.
  • Release
    Limited on what he does off the line, Tillman still excels in press coverage. When given free release he has a nice burst off the line and opens up his strong drives. His punch is top notch, and he is definitely not someone you want to find in a telephone booth. He will have to work different moves and looks into his release package at the next level.

Cons

  • Separation
    Play speed and separation in general will be sticking points throughout the draft process for Tillman. He showed the ability to stretch the field at Tennessee, but creative offenses can mask true downfield speed. Tillman caught a lot of contested catches in open space, and a lot more on the sidelines. He wins how you would expect a 6’3″ 215 receiver to win, so there is no real concern with his ability to create separation. He has shown nice burst and stride length when given free release.
  • YAC
    While he is difficult to tackle, his ability to pick up yards after the catch is limited. He has stiff hips and lacks burst with the football. He will fall forward and fight for tough yardage however. He will look to run someone over before cutting or spinning. If a secondary defender is asked to make a solo tackle, I wish them luck.
  • Versatility
    Cedric Tillman exclusively played exterior receiver during his junior and senior campaigns. Further, he was lined up on the right side of the formation about 90% of those games. Something to note in his transition to an NFL offense.

Overview

Cedric Tillman battled injuries during his senior season at Tennessee. Playing in only six games, he still showed the reason for his draft hype. Tillman is an absolute beast of a receiver, both in the air, and with the ball in his hands. He will overpower smaller defensive backs and make an impact in the run game. He excels at contested catches, and any short area targets where the football is thrown quickly and Tillman can keep defenders on his back. Drafting Tillman is hoping you end up somewhere along the lines of Tee Higgins, JuJu Smith-Schuster, or if he runs well at the combine, Dez Bryant. If he struggles to win physically in the NFL, he may end up more like Dwayne Bowe or Courtland Sutton.