Instant reaction: Grading the Browns’ selection of WR Cedric Tillman

The 2023 NFL draft is finally underway for the Cleveland Browns who have taken Tennesee’s Cedric Tillman with pick 74. Tillman’s teammate Jalin Hyatt, who went a pick before him, got most of the attention in this cycle, especially with his inconsistencies and missed time with injury in 2022.

If you watch Tillman, especially in 2021 when he was healthy, you see a big strong player that can win those contested catch chances consistently. There are some injury concerns with Tillman but it’s hard to argue with his tape when he is on the field. Let’s take a look at how the selection of Tillman grades for the Browns in the third round.

The Production

In the biggest moments against the best teams in 2021, Cedric Tillman showed up time and time again. Against Alabama he went for seven catches for 152 yards and a touchdown and against the great Georgia defense in 2021 he went for 200 yards on 10 catches. That year overall Tillman finished with 64 catches 1081 yards and 12 touchdowns.

He was limited in 2022 after he broke his ankle and when he returned that season he wasn’t the same for the Volunteers. But when healthy he showed that he is capable of producing on the outside.

Production Grade: C+

The fit

There are future questions about Amari Cooper’s contract and if the team will extend Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tillman could be an indication of the future. The team needs more reliable players in the red zone that can be big-body targets for Watson and Tillman fits that.

He has a good combination of size and athleticism and the ability to create yards after the catch in the open field. Tillman uses his big frame to shield defenders from the ball and with all the speed added in the offseason adding a player with this skill set can help them round out what is now a talented position group.

Fit Grade: B

The Grade

Overall, this is a pick that some fans might not have seen coming but it makes sense for the overall future of the position room. Tillman is a big strong wide receiver that can win at every level of the field. He has more speed and athleticism than some may expect seeing his size.

The Browns saw a ton of success with a big physical corner in Martin Emerson and now they add a player to counter the big physical corners with the drafting of Tillman. If he can stay healthy and on the field he can contribute right away and he has the potential to be a number two or number one wide receiver down the road.

Overall Grade: B

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Story originally appeared on Browns Wire