Intriguing WR prospect draws comparisons to Saints' Bryan Edwards
Ever since the New Orleans Saints acquired quarterback Derek Carr, they've been trying to make sure he has weapons around him. They reworked the contract of wide receiver Michael Thomas, re-signed tight end Juwan Johnson, and signed veteran receiver Bryan Edwards who played two seasons with Carr during their time with the Las Vegas Raiders. […]
Ever since the New Orleans Saints acquired quarterback Derek Carr, they've been trying to make sure he has weapons around him.
They reworked the contract of wide receiver Michael Thomas, re-signed tight end Juwan Johnson, and signed veteran receiver Bryan Edwards who played two seasons with Carr during their time with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Speaking of the latter, Edwards was recently deemed to player comp for one of the more interesting receiver prospects in the NFL draft according to Pro Football Focus. That guy is Tennessee's, Cedric Tillman.
Tillman's physicality will appeal to teams that demand plus blockers on the edge, but he's a one-trick route runner who can play only a few roles.
Tillman wasn't always the No.2 option to Jalin Hyatt who the Saints have shown interest in. After three seasons as a backup receiver and logging just eight for 124 yards and two touchdowns for the Volunteers, Tillman had a big year in 2021.
As the top threat, Tillman racked up 64 receptions for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Tillman wasn't able to duplicate that effort in 2022 because of an ankle injury. He only played in six games and tallied just 37 receptions for 417 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite his bad luck last season, Tillman was able to put together a nice showing at the NFL Combine and his Pro Day. Tillman ran a 4.54 in the 40-yard dash. Also, he recorded a 37-inch vertical jump and a 10'8" in the broad jump at 6'3" and 213 pounds.
Tillman has the prototypical size and length for an NFL receiver. He possesses a huge catch radius and can be a threat on deep throws downfield. Tillman also has some versatility to his game with 733 snaps as an outside receiver and 91 in the slot at Tennessee per PFF.
The Saints could use another weapon to add to Thomas, Edwards, and 2022 rookie sensation Chris Olave. Tillman should be a player they keep in mind.
