Grading the Cleveland Browns 2023 NFL Draft picks
By Chad Porto
![KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 29: A view of the logo during the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station on April 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 29: A view of the logo during the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station on April 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/04c5ab9cb3c0a1c7e557c75cae01731c73a91d347e12aa1650bf7a8d00e985e9.jpg)
Pick #No. 74 – WR Cedric Tillman
The Cleveland Browns made a baffling move by selecting wide receiver Cedric Tillman with their first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Tillman, who was oft-injured in his time with the Tennessee Volunteers, is a sizeable target standing at 6’3. For someone so tall, he is on the lighter side at only 213 lbs. His draft profile on NFL Draft Buzz claims that Tillman lacks lateral quickness, posting a 7.32 in the three-cone drill.
He’s also a one-year wonder, playing in just one full season during his five years in college. That season, 2021, was a very impressive one. He put up just over 1,000 yards and had an average per reception of 16.9. He also capped off the season with 12 touchdowns as well. However, in 2022, he played just six games due to a major ankle injury.
PFF seems to think so as well, as he only got a 69.1 grade for receiving. He’s also not great with his hands, dropping 5.1% of passes, while only being contested 43%. Overall, there’s a lot of upside with this type of player, but he was not someone the Browns should’ve taken in the third round, even if other teams were interested.
Considering the talent the team already has a glut at the position, this felt like a very odd choice with the team’s first pick in the draft.
Pro Comparision: Brian Finneran
Grade: D-
Thoughts: I thought the Browns should’ve gone with the best defensive end on the board here, but they opted to take a project receiver. Made worse by the fact there were better receivers still on the board here. Though, his size makes him very unique. I don’t think he has a high ceiling but should he develop, and hit 500 to 600 yards per season, that may be enough to justify taking him.