The Cleveland Browns drafted wide receiver Cedric Tillman in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft with the hopes that he could become a weapon they could lean upon in the passing game.
That did not come to fruition in his rookie season, however, as Tillman even spent some time as a healthy scratch on gameday. When Tillman was on the field as well, it did not always seem like he had a firm grasp on the playbook, with miscommunications leading to interceptions and pre-snap penalties.
After trading for Jerry Jeudy and drafting Jamari Thrash in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft, reps might be hard to find for Tillman moving forward unless he takes a massive step forward this summer after a full offseason in the building.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has praised Tillman’s development and hard work this offseason, but will it be enough to see the field consistently? Only Amari Cooper and Jeudy are etched in front of him on the depth chart, so there is certainly an opportunity for Tillman to seize during training camp.
Even Pro Football Network believes in Tillman, naming him their breakout candidate for the Browns this season. Here is what PFN writer Tony Catalina had to say about the second-year receiver:
“The Browns added to their WR room this offseason with Jerry Jeudy, but their sophomore receiver could be the team’s breakout. The former Tennessee Volunteer showed promise last season, and Tillman will fight for more snaps in 2024. Early indications are that Amari Cooper and Tillman will play outside, with Jeudy playing in the slot.”
Elijah Moore likely has the lead to see more reps than Tillman early on, but Tillman has the size and speed combination that no other receiver in the room has. There is a role for him if he can seize it during training camp.
Having another body on the outside who can win at the catchpoint other than just Cooper would do wonders for the Browns. And with Cooper currently in a contract holdout in the last year of his deal, the development of Tillman could go a long way in Cleveland.
Baby steps need to be taken, but the Browns need Tillman to become a guy they can depend upon in 2024.