There's never a shortage of coverage when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL draft. In 2023, many wonder which direction they will go early with a plethora of holes that can be filled within the first several picks. 

A recent mock draft produced an intriguing scenario for the Cowboys. After talking offensive lineman Darnell Wright out of Tennessee in the first round, John Owning of Pro Football Focus has the Cowboys solving another big need in round two, but with a name that's going slightly under the radar.

Owning has the Cowboys taking another Volunteer with the 58th overall pick. That guy is wide receiver, Cedric Tillman. 

Most of the top receiver prospects lack size, but Tillman checks in at an impressive 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds. And while he's not going to get confused with a speedster anytime soon, his 4.54-second 40-yard dash showed that he's not deficient in the speed department, either. Given his size, it's not surprising that Tillman is skilled in contested-catch situations, showing the ability to shield defenders with his body at the catch point (92nd percentile in contested catch percentage among WRs since 2021). He is also an adept route runner who can create separation against man and zone coverage (93rd percentile in separation percentage since 2021).

Tillman redshirted in 2018, and spent his first three seasons as just a guy on Tennessee's roster. During that span, Tillman put up just 124 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions. 

It was time for Tillman to be the top threat for the Volunteers in 2021, and he showed that he could not only handle the load but that he could ball out against the top competition in the nation.

In a 52-24 loss to Alabama, Tillman had his first big-time outing with seven receptions for 152 yards and a touchdown. Three weeks later, in another loss to eventual national champion Georgia, Tillman was spectacular with 10 catches for 200 yards and a score.

The 2022 season was supposed to be another huge one for Tillman. Unfortunately, an ankle injury derailed that and he only played in six games and produced 37 catches for 417 yards and three touchdowns. 

It wasn't the ideal final collegiate season for Tillman. However, don't be fooled, he provides plenty of upside.

The Cowboys already have three starting-caliber receivers on the roster — CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup — but Tillman could produce in a niche role early in his career while amplifying Dallas' depth on the outside. Additionally, he can provide value as a big slot receiver who creates mismatches against smaller slot cornerbacks. The Cowboys don't really have a legitimate big-bodied target for Dak Prescott, but Tillman would fill that role quite well.

Really like Cedric Tillman as a potential 3rd round option for the #Vikings to be an Adam Thielen replacement.

A big physical WR at 6'3"-215 lbs who possesses a large catch radius to go along with plus ball skills. pic.twitter.com/x5ffQ2g0kb

— Tanner Weber (@Purple_Post) April 9, 2023

Owning is spot on with this analysis. 

Tillman was mainly an outside threat with 733 snaps logged at Tennessee. In addition, Tillman had 91 in the slot as well. So, being 6-foot-3, he could be a menace in the middle of the field and draw a lot of attention which will assist guys on the outside getting more one-on-one chances. 

The size of Tillman will make things hard for outside cornerbacks when factoring in his speed, catch radius, and ball skills. The bottom line is that Tillman is no one-trick pony.

There hasn't been any buzz about Tillman to the Cowboys, but there should be.