Latest mock draft has Vols WR Cedric Tillman going in the first round
The Tennessee Vols could have four players selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Offensive lineman Darnell Wright is all but guaranteed to be a first-round pick after strong showings at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Draft combine. Quarterback Hendon Hooker and wide receivers Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman are also […]
The Tennessee Vols could have four players selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Offensive lineman Darnell Wright is all but guaranteed to be a first-round pick after strong showings at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Draft combine.
Quarterback Hendon Hooker and wide receivers Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman are also candidates to be selected in the first round.
Seeing Tillman's name listed there might be a bit of a surprise, despite the fact that he looked like a first-round pick after his breakout 2021 season.
An ankle injury, however, limited his production in 2022 and caused him to miss several of Tennessee's biggest games.
The latest mock draft from Pro Football Network apparently believes in what they saw in 2021 because they have Tillman going in the first round of the draft.
PFN has the New York Giants selecting Tillman with the No. 25 overall pick.
From PFN: Yes, the Giants could take Jalin Hyatt with this pick, but Hyatt hasn’t proven more than his teammate. Cedric Tillman might not have Hyatt’s speed, but he’s a better wide receiver overall. He’s faced a number of future NFL players and has thrived in many of those matchups. New York needs someone to help Daniel Jones through the air, and Tillman provides just that. At 6’3″, 213 pounds, Tillman’s size should help him thrive at the next level — even if he’s not as fast as his fellow Volunteer.
Tillman doesn't have blazing speed, but he knows how to get open vertically. And he's particularly adept at making contested catches. His physicality is something that NFL teams will love.
I doubt Tillman actually goes in the first round, but he shouldn't fall out of the top 50, either. Whoever drafts Tillman will be getting an underrated wide receiver who's produced at a high level in the toughest conference in college football.
