Is Cedric Tillman Hines Ward 2.0?

When I went back and watched Cedric Tillman on his 2021 game film, the first name that popped into my head was Hines Ward.

Of course, Ward is the legendary Steelers’ wide receiver (WR) drafted in the third-round out of Georgia back in 1998 and he played until 2011. He appeared in four Pro Bowls and he won a couple of Super Bowls with Pittsburgh. In one of those Super Bowls, he was named the MVP.

It seems like a lofty comparison to mention Tillman’s name in the same breath as Ward, but that’s the name that popped out of my football brain encyclopedia when I was watching this Tennessee receiver.

Tillman is a bit of a wildcard in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, due to injuries his senior season.

After putting up over 1,000 yards receiving in 2021, he managed to only produce 417 yards through the air this year.

Coming on strong

After dealing with a high ankle sprain this season, Tillman was able to come back strong against South Carolina on Nov. 19 catching 9 passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns.

The week prior, he caught 7 passes for 68 yards against Georgia.

With the injury bug hopefully behind Tillman now, he is preparing for the Senior Bowl.

Last season, we saw receiver George Pickens from Georgia return after injury and show he still had it. That led to him going second-round to Pittsburgh.

Ironically, I can also see Tillman being selected by the Steelers.

Tillman will be a solid No. 2 in the NFL

I am not sitting here saying Tillman will ever be that elite upper-echelon No. 1 receiver on a team, but I think he makes a solid No. 2.

The thing I like most about Tillman – – well two things – – are his hands and his toughness.

He’s got this muscular frame and he has the ability and attitude to fight for additional yardage on short routes and receiver screens.

He’s also got the ability to cradle inside slants and looked good running intermediate comeback routes.

Deceptive speed

Tillman also has the ability to slip behind a defense if they aren’t careful and take one to the house.

The ability to track and high-point the ball exceptionally well comes out in game film as well.

Having this somewhat of a deep game makes him an even more interesting No. 2 receiving option at the next level.

Hip…Hip…Hurray!

One of the most important traits I look for in receivers are their hips and their ability to snap off routes on a dime.

Tillman showed he can do that.

Some of these corners in the NFL can change direction like a cheetah chasing prey, and having receivers who can do the same while knowing the plays opens just enough of a throwing window.

Speaking of separation

This is one of my main concerns with Tillman. He was very inconsistent creating enough separation, especially on routes when he was not targeted.

Once this even caused the quarterback to have to take off instead.

Tillman did not show that coveted extra little burst of speed. Not having that causes his value to slightly drop.

Ironically, Tillman is reported to run a 4.50 (40). Ward ran a 4.55.

#4 Cedric Tillman 6-foot-3, 215 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Grade: Third-Round – Winter 2022 Report

Projected by 9.7% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of December 7, 2022 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2021 game film reviewed: Missouri, South Carolina and Alabama (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2021 stats: 64 receptions (90 targets and 71% catch rate), 1,081 yards (16.9 avg.), 12 TD, 70-long

2022 stats: 37 receptions (58 targets and 64% catch rate), 417 yards (11.3 avg.), 3 TD, 61-long

Note: His dad Cedric Tillman was a receiver for the Broncos and Jaguars for four seasons (1992-1995)

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Thick and tough receiver who manages to excel at all three route levels. Has a building take off at the snap. Knows how to work corners. Accomplished route runner. Good COD (change of direction). Dependable hands. Determined runner after the catch. Not afraid to go over the middle. Signature route is the slant and showed good concentration. Crafty and knows how to get behind a secondary. Willing to stick his nose in there to block. Solid value.

Bottom line:

Tillman is one of those quiet receivers who is flying under the radar and will go on to have a productive career.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated New York Jets and he is the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.