Cedric Tillman DRAFT PROFILE – 2023 NFL DRAFT

Cedric Tillman NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT INTRODUCTION

Cedric Tillman is a wide receiver from Bishop Gorman High School and the University of Tennessee.

Tillman’s college career began in 2018, as a freshman when he was granted the opportunity to feature in seven games for the Volunteers. Despite only making one reception for -3 yards, Tillman’s perseverance and dedication to his craft would prove to be invaluable to the team.

The following year, Tillman experienced an upward trajectory in his performance, playing in 12 games and recording four catches for 60 yards, including one touchdown. His QB rating when targeted stood at an impressive 125.0, reflecting his consistent execution on the field.

In 2020, Tillman’s stats fell behind his previous year’s performance, as he managed only three catches for 67 yards, with one touchdown. His QB rating when targeted dipped significantly to 34.6, indicating a drop in form. However, he refused to be discouraged and continued to push himself to achieve excellence.

As a senior in 2021, Tillman’s hard work and dedication paid off as he had an outstanding season, recording 64 catches for 1,081 yards, 12 touchdowns, and a remarkable QB rating when targeted of 155.8. His excellent performance showcased his growth and development as a player, marking a defining moment in his college football career.

In his fifth year as a senior in 2022, Tillman continued to impress, recording 37 catches for 417 yards, including three touchdowns. His QB rating when targeted was an impressive 93.7, proving that his skill and determination were still at an all-time high.

Cedric Tillman DRAFT PROFILE

Cedric Tillman, a talented and imposing wide receiver, possesses a unique set of skills that make him a force to be reckoned with on the field. With his impressive stride length, Tillman can easily cover significant turf, making him a valuable asset in any offensive scheme.

His ability to bend his route stems to set up breaks and stack corners showcases his exceptional body control, enabling him to establish leverage at the catch point with ease. While Tillman is not solely a contested-catch receiver, he remains unfazed when challenged at the catch point, a testament to his exceptional ball skills and spatial awareness.

With strong and confident hands, Tillman has no issue plucking the football away from his frame with extension, hanging on through contact. Down the field, he excels with his blend of size, ball skills, hands, and speed, showcasing physicality and competitiveness when in possession of the ball.

However, Tillman has some limitations to his game. Almost exclusively aligning on the right side of the formation and rarely put in motion, he lacks versatility in his route tree, relying heavily on his size and strength to overcome press coverage. To excel in the NFL, he needs to develop more advanced techniques such as handwork and footwork to clear jams and run more horizontally-oriented routes.

Another aspect of Tillman’s game that raises questions is his late breakout in college. Not finding meaningful production until his senior year at the age of 22, Tillman’s potential to excel at the professional level remains to be seen. Moreover, his 2022 season was hampered by an ankle injury, further highlighting his durability concerns.

 

Cedric Tillman 40 YARD DASH- 4.54 SECONDS 

 

SCOUTING REPORT- STRENGTHS

Cedric Tillman is an explosive and dynamic wide receiver who possesses a rare combination of speed, agility, and physicality that make him a standout performer on the field. He has an incredible ability to track the ball downfield and run under long throws, consistently making plays that leave defenders in the dust.

With a strong running style and agile footwork, Tillman is able to make defenders miss in the open field, often breaking tackles and gaining valuable yards after the catch. He is particularly effective in contested-catch situations, where his physicality and competitive nature shine through, allowing him to wrestle the ball away from defenders with ease.

Tillman’s quick feet and excellent body control allow him to gear down and quickly get in and out of cuts, making him a versatile and dangerous weapon in any offensive scheme. His hands are reliable, and his creativity as a runner after the catch is second to none, often slipping tackles and making defenders miss with ease.

While he may be more of a possession receiver than a deep threat, Tillman’s fierce competitive nature and exceptional run-after-catch ability make him a significant threat in the middle of the field. His versatility as a receiver and willingness to fight for every yard make him a valuable asset to any team looking for a reliable and dynamic weapon in their passing game.

SCOUTING REPORT- WEAKNESSES

One of the areas in which Tillman could develop a better feel is in sitting down against zone coverage. While he has demonstrated exceptional skill in making contested catches, he may struggle against certain defensive schemes that require him to sit in a specific area on the field. By honing his instincts and understanding of zone coverage, Tillman could become an even more versatile and effective receiver.

It’s important to note that Tillman is not a player who relies solely on speed and athleticism to overwhelm opposing defenders. Instead, he excels in other areas, such as physicality and agility, allowing him to create opportunities for himself on the field. By embracing these strengths and focusing on improving his weaker areas, Tillman can continue to be a valuable asset to any team.

One area where Tillman may need to improve is in creating consistent separation from defenders. While he possesses quick feet and excellent body control, he may lack the twitch necessary to create consistent separation from defenders. However, by developing more advanced techniques, such as precise route running and deceptive footwork, Tillman can become a more versatile and unpredictable receiver, making him an even greater threat on the field.

Cedric Tillman NFL DRAFT SUMMARY

Plus Side:

• Versatile offensive weapon
• Great footwork
• Solid hands in traffic

Negatives:

• Inconsistent college performance
• Needs to improve in the nuances of being a receiver
• Speedy but not elite, needs to find a way to create separation