Tennessee Vols player climbs Todd McShay's 2023 NFL Draft rankings
A Tennessee Vols redshirt senior is rapidly climbing ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay's 2023 NFL Draft rankings. Wide receiver Cedric Tillman, who missed the Vols' win against Florida due to an ankle injury, is ranked No. 21 in McShay's latest rankings. From ESPN: Tillman is a physical receiver with impressive route-running savvy, a big catch […]
A Tennessee Vols redshirt senior is rapidly climbing ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay's 2023 NFL Draft rankings.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman, who missed the Vols' win against Florida due to an ankle injury, is ranked No. 21 in McShay's latest rankings.
Tillman is a physical receiver with impressive route-running savvy, a big catch radius and very strong hands. He's not a burner, but he does an excellent job tracking the deep ball and using his length to win on 50-50 opportunities. He has a natural feel for contorting his body, timing his jumps and shielding defenders. But Tillman lacks ideal elusiveness. He has 17 catches for 246 yards and a TD, but he has missed a few games with a left ankle injury.
Tillman showed enough on film in 2021 — when he caught 64 passes for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns — that his injury this season apparently isn't impacting his draft stock at all.
The former three-star recruit is poised to be a day-one draft selection thanks to his rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism.
Tillman could possibly return to action this weekend against LSU — there's no doubt the Vols could use him in Baton Rouge. A more realistic return date, however, is the Alabama game on October 15.
Tennessee needs Tillman healthy down the stretch, so they're not rushing him back.
If Tillman can get back before the end of October, which is the expectation, he should be able to pick up where he left off before his injury and continue to improve his draft stock.
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
