When the Cleveland Browns drafted Tennessee wideout Cedric Tillman in the third round at No. 74 overall, it was for a specific purpose.
General manager Andrew Berry thought he was building an offense around quarterback Deshaun Watson. But as we are approaching what feels a lot like the end of the Watson era in Cleveland, Tillman's future role seems clear.
Be a part of the Browns' future with whoever is under center.
And Bleacher Report believes that he's the most promising building block on the Cleveland roster right now.
"Last season, Cedric Tillman flashed when the Cleveland Browns needed a spark in the passing game. After Week 6, the Browns traded wideout Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, which allowed Tillman to slide into a starting role and see a consistent number of targets in the passing game," B/R wrote. "In Cleveland's first three games without Cooper, Tillman hauled in 21 of 32 targets for 255 yards and three touchdowns. Late in November, he suffered a concussion, and the team eventually placed him on injured reserve.
"Despite Tillman's small sample size in an expanded role, the Browns have taken note of his intriguing upside. The Athletic's Zac Jackson wrote that the third-year receiver is 'locked in as a starter.' As a top target in the Browns' aerial attack, Tillman could take a significant leap in production this year."
Across two seasons with Cleveland, Tillman has posted 563 yards on 50 catches and three touchdowns. It's hoped he will see increased usage with Cooper no longer on the team.