Cedric Tillman NFL Draft Prospect Profile and Scouting Report
Tennessee Wide Receiver Cedric Tillman Scouting Report for the 2023 NFL Draft
By BrianMaafi
Name: Cedric Tillman
School: Tennessee
Year: rSr
Position: Wide Receiver
Measurables: 6’3" 213 lbs
Combine: 4.54 40-yd, 1.53 10-yd split, 37" vertical, 128" Broad
Stats:
Courtesy of Sports-reference.com
General Info:
Born on April 19th, 2000, Cedric Jashon Tillman’s father played four seasons in the NFL with the Broncos and Jaguars. He was a three-star recruit out of Nevada, playing for national high school power house Bishop Gorman High School. Tillman red-shirted his first season with the Volunteers, playing in four games. For his redshirt freshman season he played just 120 snaps on the season finishing the season with four receptions for 60 yards and one TD. For the shortened 2020 season the former Volunteer played all 10 games, starting two; ending the season with just three catches for 67 yards and one TD. The Las Vegas native had a breakout 2021 season where he caught 64 balls for 1,081 yards and 12 TDs. Heading into his final season at Rocky Top Tillman was expecting another big season, but a high ankle sprain derailed his season in week three against Akron, he did not return until week nine and wasn’t himself until the end of the season. Tillman finished the season with 37 catches for 417 yards and three TDs.
Positional Skills:
Strengths
One of the easiest strengths to see on film is his size and physicality. Tillman uses all of his 6’3 213-pound frame and almost 33” arms against defensive backs to out muscle them. He incorporates double moves and foot fires in his release package. His explosive testing numbers show on film, he can really get up and get those 50/50 balls. The Nevada native uses a solid club and rip move to get free of press defenders. The former Volunteer will use his body like a power forward to block the defensive back away from the ball and use his long arms to keep it away from getting poked out. The former standout from Bishop Gorman showed improved effort in his shortened 2022 season. Tillman runs every route like it’s a post or fade route, this causes a number of defensive backs to sag off in coverage; giving him room to work. When he was asked to block Tillman showed physicality, willingness, and strength to be good at it. The redshirt Senior plays almost like a power back with the ball in his hands, he wants to deliver blows. The Las Vegas native also has very good hands evidenced by his just 5 drops in five seasons on 167 career targets. He has also shown on film that he can slip a tackle here and there and get YAC.
Weaknesses
Tillman had some effort issues in 2021 when the offense wasn’t asked to “read” his side of the field. He ran a 4.54 40 at the combine while he was probably not 100% over an ankle sprain. It is evident on film that he is not a true speedster and is not a traditional ‘deep threat’. The former Volunteer has minimal snaps in the slot in his career, just 91 in four play seasons and he played mostly on the offensive right side, so some versatility may be lacking. Tennessee did not ask their receivers to block very much, they mostly ran dummy routes. The route tree Tennessee asks their receivers to run is not very expansive. The Las Vegas native has a few too many false steps when gearing down. He is not much of a YAC threat outside of some flashes here and there.
Fit with the Packers:
Cedric Tillman would be a very good fit for the Matt LaFleur offense. He has almost everything LaFleur looks for in a receiver, size, long arms, physical, can block. The only things he lacks are 4.4 speed and versatility, and the second one can be developed and he has shown in flashes that he can play in the slot and be used as a power slot. Despite not being a 4.4 guy he can still get deep due to his explosiveness and sneaky speed. Tillman also needs to develop his route tree or show that he can do more than he was asked to do as a Volunteer. The Las Vegas native would also fill a role on the roster that is currently unfilled with Lazard a free agent that will probably move on, and he can be a better version of Lazard due to Tillman showing better agility on film. The son of a former NFL wide receiver would be a good pick on day two.
Comments (82)
stockholder
March 15, 2023 at 06:30 pm
Good choice-
jannesbjornson
March 15, 2023 at 07:50 pm
You talk'n ta me?
Leatherhead
March 15, 2023 at 06:56 pm
I zeroed in on him right away. I started looking at all the WRs who were 6'3" or better, and then I looked to see what conference they played in, and that put Tillman on the list for me. Then I started researching him a little and I liked him more. He's been a staple in every simulation I've run.
His overall prospect ranking has kind of a wide spread. Consensus, which is the average of multiple sources, has him at #76 today. I've seen him as high as #50 and as late as the 4th round. He'd be a good pick at that point, but I like him enough that I'd take him earlier.
If you're looking for a big body guy you can get on Day Two, it's kind of a short list, and he's the best one on it, IMO.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 15, 2023 at 07:48 pm
He would be an upgrade from Lazard no question.
The real question to me is what is the Packers going to do in round 1 of the draft? I believe they are drafting Quentin Johnston, or Dalton Kincaid depending on who is sitting there. Maybe both if two picks. However, if only Quentin Johnston, or JSN taken in round 1 than I don't see Cedric Tillman being someone the Pack drafts in round 2. If the Packers draft a TE (Kincaid, Washington, or Mayer) in round 1 than I could see someone like Tillman being a possibility, but more likely it would be an Edge in round 2.
jannesbjornson
March 15, 2023 at 07:54 pm
Tillman is better than both of them.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 15, 2023 at 09:19 pm
Disagree as well as every one at Combine, football analyst on internet Ive seen, and every football mock draft. Having said that...draft is unpredictable...3 years from now maybe you end up being right right.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 15, 2023 at 11:10 pm
Jannes,
Always like your draft input!
Share why you think Tillman is better because I just do not see it. Yes, Quentin has had some drops which he will get better at but look at the catches he is trying to make. He is a better athlete with more speed. Last year with an experienced Lazard (Tillman is very similar I think) the offense underperformed and defenses doubled & bracketed Watson shutting him down. We need receivers who are threats that can pull defenders away from the line to allow our running game to succeed.
Again, do not get me wrong as I think Tillman is going to be a good WR but not sure he is best for what the Packers need right now offensively. If Quentin and Kincaid are not available and the Pack takes Tillman in round 2 I certainly would not argue the selection.
jannesbjornson
March 16, 2023 at 01:53 am
Kincaid was the second best TE on the Utah squad behind Brant Kuithe who should go high rds next year. Kuithe is a more complete TE with blocking ability. Kincaid ran the Air Raid routes off the slot. Kuithe can go Inline or out. Tucker Kraft is the guy I focus on with an Extra two pick for the TE spot. He is a guy with size and RAC. I watched Tillman a lot last year when he was ALL-SEC. Full body of work, not just final year highlight reels. He came back strong in 2022 after the ankle sprain. Another guy mentored by his father who played in the NFL. He has the strong frame and strong hands. He plucks the ball, elevates and has the burst off the catch point. He can body people and lay out to block. When he was lighter, 4.49 guy. Anybody can run fast in a straight line. These light weight WRs are taking a beating against bigger safeties and missing games with dings. I like Johnston as a DeeDee Lamb type, but the drops are an issue. Derius Davis is faster and made quite a few tough catches for TCU as well. I focused on Tillman since November.
Leatherhead
March 15, 2023 at 08:28 pm
Well, there's a question. Most rookies don't come in and catch 50+ balls for 500+ yards. And of course, there's the blocking, which is only important if you're trying to run the ball, at which Lazard is probably the best in the league. How many WRs actually make a difference in the run game?
Why would you think we'll take a TE/WR in the first round? Javon Walker in 2002 was the last one. We also took Bubba in the first round in 2000.
The organization....the one that Gutekunst has been a part of for a long time....has clearly made an organization decision that they can get those guys on the second day of the draft? And they've done a helluva good job at it. Jennings, Jordy, Jones, Davante, Cobb.......all Day Two guys. It's in our corporate DNA.
It's hard for me to get excited about the draft when I don't know exactly where we're lined up, but I'm pretty sure we can get a real good TE later in the draft. In fact, I'm going to throw out two, Schoonmaker and Cameron Latu.
Big guys who can maybe catch a pass or two. Not like Kelce, because that's not our offense. Our offense is to put 6 offensive linemen on the field, one of whom is called a TE. That's one of our 5 "skill position" players we have on the field. The other 4 are usually an RB, and either another TE or 3 WRs. We don't need a TE who is the first option on a pass, just a decent 5th option who will catch it.
That's how we roll in the Bay. We move the ball with our RBs, and our WRs, and then in third place, the TEs.
PhantomII
March 15, 2023 at 09:04 pm
If you want to wait YEARS for the players to develop you can take rawer players and with TT we were always doing it. If you already have day 1 starters I'd say yes...but we don't. We have no #1 WR or #2 WR and especially a vet. I want a lot of offensive talent on this team because it was so severely lacking after DA left and what we have has not blossomed into an every day reliable player. Watson is special and a big play waiting to happen. We need a couple more. If we get the 2023 #1 from the jets I would choose a Top 3 WR and a Top 3 TE like Washington. We have thrown so much at defense with mix results. Cap $ for defense and draft for offense and let these weapons grow up with Love, who I predict to be the opposite of AR in many good ways. Love will spread the ball to open receivers and actually go thru progressions instead of watching one player...throwing it out of bounds or getting sacked and not run the clock down to zero.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 15, 2023 at 10:25 pm
Big thumbs up Phantom with your post as you are dead on. I believe you and I are going to get our wish in the draft as Gutey is going heavy on offense. All one needs to do was watch the last Lions game. The Lions bracketed Watson & we had nothing down the middle of the field for a threat.
dobber
March 16, 2023 at 07:37 am
I find it funny that people say that the Packers can't wait on developmental picks, but then point to Washington who has no volume in pass-catching in his history. Until 2022, he wasn't really a regular. In his best season, he caught fewer than 2 passes per game and didn't run a lot of routes because he was behind Georgia's #1 TE (I can't think of his name a the moment).
He's a guy who profiles into the Marcedes Lewis blocker role but I expect will likely take time to become an NFL pass-catcher aside from running outlet routes...maybe he's a guy who flourishes immediately with more routes and opportunities. His floor as a player isn't as low as many of these 6'3", 240 lb, move TEs because he's a competitive and established blocker and can play right away in that role, but he very much profiles as a projection as a pass-catcher which makes him a developmental high pick.
jannesbjornson
March 16, 2023 at 08:22 am
Brock Bowers was the primary receiving TE for the Bulldogs. Washington is a physical freak, but watching his games this past season , he seemed lumbering in his route tree. He could take the wheel route on the perimeters. Marcedes Lewis was a prolific receiver for UCLA over a three year period. You can get blocking TEs later on. A lot of these guys are 6'-6 or taller.
PhantomII
March 16, 2023 at 10:35 pm
If we pick up Washington...He starts day 1 in big dogs spot and is a legit red zone target. He's athletic, moved the sled better than any TE and didn't see him drop passes in drills at the combine and outran a struggling Mayer. Hopefully I get the last laugh...Our TE group is poor, shouldn't be hard for him to excel and be a difference maker in our offense.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 15, 2023 at 10:46 pm
LH,
I will try to answer your question above as best I can regarding why do I think the Packers are going to take either/or a WR/TE in round 1.
I don't know who they will draft but I have been a big draft geek since before Mel Kipper came into the picture. Always researching players & potential draft choices. Making predicting long before it became popular around the country. I remember when Ourlads & the Packer Report came into existence. Every so many years I get lucky based on research and correctly predict the Packers 1st round draft pick. The last time I was correct was with Jordan Love in 2020, which in part is why I am so invested & excited about him. However, It is more than that though as my research tells me he truly will be good.
Now, you have been one of the most intelligent posters on here of late making your case for why the Packers need to go offense. In reviewing the season it was clear the Packers did not have enough fire power on offense to consistently beat teams even when the defense play well and holding opponents to scores below 20.
My three reasons!
I. The most important player on the field is going to be the inexperienced Jordan Love. Even last year, with Lazard & Aaron Rodgers the offense struggled mightily. There is not one single player that can be drafted in 2023 on defense, or even on the OL that will have as big of an impact (outside of maybe Jalen Carter/Will Anderson/Tyree Wilson and none of them will be available) than the best WR, or best move TE to open up the offense allowing the RB's space to operate. Furthermore, Jordan Love is Gutey's legacy! He has a lot riding on him and not just Gutey, but the whole Packer organization. Nationally, how Jordan does is going to be measured against what Rodgers does with the Jets. Shut & closed case! This is going to be a year long analysis & maybe two years of comparison and evaluating the trade capital. Bottomline, the Packers have to take the best WR, or the best move TE available in round 1. Presently, I believe the two best that would impact the offense would be Quentin Johnston, and Dalton Kincaid. Might Washington at TE?
II. Watson was easily bracketed and shut down by the Lions defense that didn't even have good CB's in the last game that decided if the Packers went to the playoffs. One of the best WR's in the draft is desperately needed to keep defenses honest. I believe the Packers need a big strong & tough WR to not only replace Lazard, but to be able to make the tough catches in traffic, and to be able to go up and high point passes. A size/speed combo WR and no one in the draft is better at that than Quentin Johnston (sorry Jannes). No one fits that bill in my mind better than Quentin Johnston. Just my opinion! I don't know if he will be available when the Packers pick comes around but if he is there I believe the Packers snag him.
III. The Packers literally do not have a TE that provides any threat in the middle of the field. The Travis Kelce guy (maybe not as physical) that I see in the draft is Dalton Kincaid. Guy is amazing and gets separation and gets open frequently deep. I think Dalton would be a game changer as a move TE for the Packers offense keeping defenses honest regarding the bracketing of Watson with the big threat down the middle.
Now could in place of Johnston could it be JSN, or Addison? Maybe depending on who is still on the board. They need one of them and Johnston being the best. Regarding the TE's it certainly could end up being Mayer, or Washington in round 1 instead of Kincaid. It really is going to come down to what do the Packers place more priority on with a move TE, or is it with a blocking TE? Washington is such a physical freak it certainly could be him & I would not have a problem at all with that selection, but then they might need to get a Musgrave, or a LaPorta in round 2.
Anyway, hopefully the above helps explain why I pick Johnston & Kincaid. I share my picks because I enjoy having some posters comment, question me as you are doing, and also hope other posters provide their picks. Keeps it fun, particularly following the draft.
BirdDogUni
March 15, 2023 at 11:33 pm
I too love the draft. I don't do as much research as you probably do KTSOOY...
I've been thinking about this since before the season ended. I broke my own rule and did my first Mock Draft before Christmas this year.
I think this might be the worst defensive draft I can remember. Maybe 2013 was worse - (the year we took Datone Jones really sucked...)
Today I did a mock draft and my first 6 picks were:
13 - Quentin Johnston
15 - Dalton Kincaid
21 - Bijan Robinson (Traded 1st rounder in '24 and our 3rd rounder in '25)
38 - Darnell Washington - (Traded our 3rd this year, cuz we suck in the 3rd) and next year's 3rd) Sure Gutey won't mind trading all our 3rds since he misses anyway...
43. Dawand Jones to play RT
45. Luke Musgrave
Now, we all know Gutey won't do this, so there's no way it could happen, but I don't think you're far off the approach we should take this year...
Gutey might take an OT in the 1st and a WR or maybe a TE, but I doubt the takes a WR, TE, and RB all in the 1st unless he says screw it, and does blow a couple future picks thinking he might not be around if Love doesn't win...
Lol
(Sure would be a wicked offense though...)
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 12:40 am
Bird Dog!
Your suggested draft is downright freaky scary. Yes, the offense would be freaky scary, but freaky scary because your draft emulates mine in every regard! Every day, & particularly today my mind does not allow me to NOT draft Quentin Johnston, Dalton Kincaid, and Bijan Robinson in round 1. Explosive would be an understatement! I hope Guter reads our posts and thinks wow…those are great ideas! LOL!
Seriously….Bizarrely Freaky Bird Dog!
Guter will never do this but for this to happen the Packers need to get the Jets #13 & #43. I always take Johnston if he is there at #13 (half the time he isn’t). #15 to take Kincaid seems a little rich, so I usually trade the #15 back to say #19 to take Kincaid. From there, I then trade several of the #43 & several other picks such as #78, and others to move back up and take Bijan around #22.
Sometimes Johnston is gone and other times Bijan isn’t there. Awesome finding out you love being a draft geek. Did you ever read my note that I applied for the Packers GM position years ago and received on Packer letterhead a letter declining. LOL! Have it framed in my office and quite proud of it but every year at draft time I think about just how the Packers screwed up & they could be doing better as in my ideal draft in round 1 above. LOL!
Edit...and I would never have resigned Rodgers to that albatross of a contract either!
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 12:49 am
Yes! I read that! My Dad applied for the HC Job when Holmgren left... (He was my HS Coach...) Best Coach I ever had, including College and Overseas...
; )
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 12:58 am
This is awesome stuff!
Did he get a rejection letter on Packer letterhead like I did?
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 09:21 am
IDK... After he passed away, all his papers and such were put into a 15' x 20' storage shed. If it's in there, one of his Grand Kids will probably find it one day... IDK if I'll ever be able to go through them...
PackEyedOptimist
March 16, 2023 at 04:39 am
That WOULD be an awesome draft BDU, but sadly, it's a pipe dream.
I'm still pessimistic about getting the Jets #1 this year, and as much as I LOVE the concept of trading down, I think it's next to impossible--all of the GMs know that two second round picks are better than a first round pick, unless they have a target they have a HUGE crush on--usually a QB. The best thing that could happen to Green Bay might be having Antonio Johnson drop to #15.
jannesbjornson
March 16, 2023 at 08:30 am
Get Edge or OT in round one. Safety can be had later, not Rd One. Four or five safeties who profile as 6'-3, 195lbs. Tyrique Stevenson profiles more as a safety than CB, 6'-0 214. Trice at 6'-3, 215 and Mekhi Garner at 6'-2, 215. I like these dual purpose guys.
PackEyedOptimist
March 16, 2023 at 05:15 pm
Hah.
I meant Anthony Richardson, not Antonio Johnson.
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 09:30 am
Didn't Antonio Johnson get hurt? Or am I thinking of someone else?
Until yesterday, I was willing to believe Gutey would go Big Men in the 1st, (DL/OL), but since AR12 will no longer be running the show, I firmly believe Gutey will draft skill players for "His Guy!"
He drafted Jordan Love. He traded up to make sure he got "his guy" of the future.
If he doesn't surround Love with the weapons to succeed going forward, Gutey is much more stupid than I think he is...
jannesbjornson
March 16, 2023 at 01:05 pm
Most likely true. Ted brought in Jennings, JJ and Jordy for Rodgers, then trasitioned to Adams when Driver retired.
jannesbjornson
March 16, 2023 at 02:07 am
I advocate for the trade down in the first and get an Edge guy or the RT if Jones falls, unlikely. Get multiple picks in round two and take the WR and the TE. Leatherhead has good eyes for Schoonmaker as the Inline guy in round four-five. I would try to snag the Blocking Sled in the sixth with Averett, or Ben Sims. Johnston would be the favorite to go in round One, but I doubt he falls to #15. I like my Watson, Doubs and Tillman lineup. These guys come from the New Offenses. They can step on the field right away and deliver the goods. We saw the evidence last season. The new kids on the block get superb training from Camps and Innovative High School offenses and roll right into College reps as freshmen. My nephew's squad won the State of Washington title. He worked under Don James as a grad assistant and attended coaching seminars by Mouse Davis, the guy who developed the Run and Shoot. The Game keeps innovating.
jannesbjornson
March 16, 2023 at 02:27 am
I really enjoyed The Sporting News when it was in print form. A lot of detailed information. Naturally, we all followed Joel Buchsbaum. I looked to the ALL STAR selections listed from the major conferences from 1st team to Honorable Mention. We didn't get 30 games a day on the TV in those days. Like Big Bad Bill and Jim Johnson ,I admire team Captains and All Academic guys as Leaders.
PackEyedOptimist
March 16, 2023 at 04:33 am
Excellent description of my thoughts, KnockSnot!
PackEyedOptimist
March 16, 2023 at 04:58 am
Ah, the memories KnockSnot!
I too have been a draftnik since before Kiper--in fact I thank Cliff Christl for getting me started back in 1973 (maybe '72?) while I was in high school. He wrote some pre-draft articles (which appeared in the Manitowoc Herald-Times-Reporter). I too consumed Ourlads, Packer Report, Pro Football Weekly, etc. (Had some other small publications too, whose name I have forgotten...some "Bible" something else...)
I remember being really disappointed in losing the coin toss for Troy Aikman, but consoled in getting the "sure-thing" Tony Mandarich! :-D I remember the disappointment of Bruce Clark choosing Canada over the Packers, and the unexpected joy of Mike Butler--the top rated DL-- dropping to the Packers (not knowing Ezra Johnson would end up the real gem).
I got really good at predicting who Ron Wolf would draft; I never got quite as good a handle on Thompson or Gute, but I did guess Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon right.
Good times.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 09:39 am
Love it PEO!
Awesome to find long time fellow draft Geeks! Bird Dog, Jannes, etc!
BirdDogUni
March 15, 2023 at 11:52 pm
I think since we're trading AR12, all bets are off.
I think Gutey goes almost all offense early and often and and uses the 5th and 7th round for defense this year. (Seems like a terrible defensive draft to me...)
If Love doesn't win next season, Gutey is in a very hot seat with contract negotiations upcoming if I'm not mistaken.
I think Gutey says % it and drafts as many high end weapons as we can afford so Jordan Love can actually succeed, where AR has failed... (More Championships...)
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 12:12 am
BD,
You and I are thinking as one here! I should have gotten that GM title and you would make me proud as my Assistant VP of Football Operations. Smile!!!
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 12:54 am
Tgr and I used to joke over at APC too... I was the GM and he was my "Russ Ball" until Murphy %'ed up the structure... ; ) (Since he doesn't look at the draft too much, but loves the contracts and Cap...) Lol
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 12:56 am
Well, there you go we got the organizational structure all figured out!
dobber
March 16, 2023 at 07:50 am
IF the ARod trade finally goes through, Love gets the 5th year option. It's a no-brainer.
I don't think the Packers change their draft strategy: they always pick primary position players in the first round. They have always shied away from secondary position guys (RB, TE, WR, specialists).
The Packers are facing depth and attrition issues at OLB, OL, and CB--esp. if Douglas moves to S, which may be decided after they see how the draft board falls. They could always use another stud IDL. That's where the money goes, and they can't rely on any skill position guy to step in and be more than a role player right away.
I agree that they might decide to--if they have an extra #1 (but I'm guessing the Jets won't give their #1 this year)--play one of them as found money and make a run at a playmaker offensive guy in the first round if they think that guy is special, but their history shows that if they've only got one first, it will go to one of the money positions. They have need there. It makes too much sense.
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 10:10 am
It's all quite "raw" right now. Now that AR12 has come out and said it wasn't him holding the Jets and Packers hostage but the GMs of the teams trying to work out compensation, if I'm Gutey, I don't answer the phone again until Monday. If on Monday, the Jets' GM doesn't tell me what I want to hear, I hang up and don't answer the phone until the next Monday.
I think the Jets' will have to blink before the Packers do.
If I'm Gutey, I might be a bit pissed at Mark Murphy for several things.
If Gutey wasn't a team player and class act, I could see him emptying the cupboards of Future Picks to go all in now, so two or three years from now when those draft picks are ready to win the Super Bowl, he can say, "I built that!"
It might not be a bad idea, except maybe Cap Wise? (Admittedly I don't know or care about the cap much, but I'm not even sure we could afford 3 first round picks this year...)
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 10:07 am
Gutey is definitely going to surprise and take some high end skilled players. Very curious to see where an OT might be taken. I see today the Jet's tried hard to sign FA, Orlando Brown at left tackle and lost out. Obviously, they have a big hole at that spot. I am disappointed as all offseason I keep reading the Jets need #13 for a LT. Maybe if they had gotten Brown they may have been more willing to give up #13.
As GG has stated....is Bachtiari or maybe even a Jenkins in play?
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 10:28 am
Well, if we trade 69, we'll have to go LT at #13 or #15... I wouldn't mind drafting a LT. So many unknowns. I don't think we can get cute though. Yes, Nijman played well, but he's not on the roster for sure next year. Tom played decent, but Idk if he can hold it down long-term. Love Jenkins, but I don't think he's our future LT.
We don't know if Rasheed Walker or Caleb Jones are anything more than warm bodies.
If we were to trade 69, we'd have to draft a LT high and there is no guarantee they'll develop into a top-tier LT or not.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 11:19 am
Exactly my thoughts!
Feel like trading #69 would set Gutey back in draft exactly like you say... he would HAVE to draft a LT, which would change direction of early draft.
jannesbjornson
March 16, 2023 at 02:38 am
What is Our offense? If a guy like Kincaid, or Kraft are there, snag them and use them like Kelce. Watch the Film from Andy Reid's offense. Innovate. If you stay sedentary, the opposition knows your tendencies. The New Offenses are employing the multi-look TE schemes. Hell, Deguara ran the same schemes Kelce ran at Cincy.
Watson in 14 games had 41 catches for 611 yards and dropped two-three long balls from Rodgers. Add a few runs and he supplied the Team with 9 TDs. This isn't Robert Ferguson revisited. Doubs, in 13 games of action snagged 42 for 425 and 3 TDs, dropping a few along the way.
Toure started to get some action late season and hauled in a TD. Now, the focus is to rebuild the tight end room.
PackEyedOptimist
March 16, 2023 at 05:12 am
"What is our offense?" indeed, JB.
One of the downsides of having a coach who runs a particular offense, is that the team usually drafts with that offense in mind, meaning their Big Board drops players who might be the overall BPA. The Packers, for instance, might be in a perfect position to draft say, O'Cyrus Torrence and Dawand Jones, but would probably pass on both (even though I salivate at the idea of those two on the right side of the offensive line with AJ Dillon running behind them).
I love Kincaid, but I don't think he'll go in the first round, with his age and some injury history. I also like a lot of TEs in this draft, but I think other teams are going to be drafting them much higher than the "experts" are predicting, partially because some other areas are weak (defensive linemen are abysmal this year), and partially because of the recent success of teams with good tight ends.
I REALLY think we need a number two WR; I just have no faith in Doubs. I think he's a very good #3, but I want a reliable #2 who is a threat who must be accounted for.
That's why I love Quintin Johnston. I'm warming up to JSN, and I still believe the next-best slot WR in this draft is Jahmyr Gibbs. I put Jonathan Mingo above most of the other WRs as well. I'm very curious to see where he gets picked.
jannesbjornson
March 16, 2023 at 08:48 am
Mingo was ALL SEC, 2nd team. No doubt, they would not go for these power gap dudes who will not get knocked on their ass by a Bull Rush. I assume Broderick Jones will be gone by #15, so I focus on Anton Harrison, Darnell Wright and Jaelyn Duncan. Bergeron can be a RT or Guard. Yes, WR #2. Kenny McIntosh could profile like Gibbs as a flanker/RB, or Sean Tucker. There will be a run on CBs and TEs in the first two rounds. I am hoping the brain trust doesn't blow this draft. The League has figured out the Shanahan demo derby. A reason Deebo Samuel did not want to be running the ball. My WR is still Tillman and Doubs as the #3. A lot of speed guys later on. Charlie Jones knows how to get open. If they could figure out how to use guys like Trey Palmer, Derius Davis and Tre Tucker it would be eye-opening. Andy Reid is drooling. Vector offenses.
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 10:47 am
Idk where Marvin Mims Jr. goes in the draft, but I think people are sleeping on him right now...
Elijah Higgins would be a perfect replacement for Allen Lazard.
Like Charlie Jones, CJ Johnson, and Kayshon Boutte too... What I don't know, is how much these guys love the game or how hard they're going to work. Hope our scouts are actually working hard trying to figure those things out.
jannesbjornson
March 16, 2023 at 01:10 pm
See if they bring any into town for a better look.
Leatherhead
March 16, 2023 at 09:40 am
What is our offense?
50% is get the ball to the RB
15% is targets of our #1 WR
10% is targeting the TE
That leaves us with about 15 other plays. WR screens, jet sweeps, sacks,
That’s our offense.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 09:42 am
Even if a TE isn't taken in round 1, I forsee one taken in round 2. There are many options fortunately this year.
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 10:49 am
Many other teams are thinking the exact same thing. I still don't think we take a TE in the 1st round unless we trade back and I think the surprise will be when Darnell Washington is the pick...
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 11:07 am
Bird Dog, I really do not know where Washington will be selected but I have a hard time believing he falls into round 2 let alone to the Packers #45 smack dab in the middle of the round. Mercedes Lewis was a 1st round pick years ago. It is hard now to extrapolate how the two of them compare but I will assume Washington might be a better overall athlete. Maybe right?
Honestly, I don't really consider Dalton Kincaid a TE. He is a hybrid WR/TE. I see Dobber today share he is a jumbo WR/TE. I see Musgrave in the same light as Kincaid. Making me think with their size and speed combo at least one goes in round 1. Should the Packers draft one of them I have fun thinking about how the Packers might utilize them. The Packers like big WR's and there is a shortage of big WR's who can run fast/well. Where in the draft equation does Gutey look at guys like Kincaid, Musgrave, and even a Zack Kuntz? The coaching staff was busy over the Combine working on schemes. Is this different than previous years? Fascinating thinking about the number of potential forthcoming changes. Will Gutey & LF work together in assembling a team to fully implement the IOC? If so, this might be the year we see Gutey operate differently in the draft. I'd love to know how some of the other teams in the NFL's GM's are viewing what the Packers might do in the draft. GM's play chess leading up to the draft and make decisions based on analysis of other teams most likely draft choices. Mix it up Gutey & shock the NFL world and draft offense hard!
dobber
March 16, 2023 at 08:06 am
"Big guys who can maybe catch a pass or two. Not like Kelce, because that's not our offense. Our offense is to put 6 offensive linemen on the field, one of whom is called a TE. "
To add to what you're saying, the Packers like to use multiple TEs to the tune of about 1.4 TE per offensive snap. Lewis played about 40% of the offensive snaps as an extension of the OL in virtually all of his seasons in GB--which means that other 1.0 is likely split between Tonyan, Deguara types. Those are your non-TE (meaning mostly RB/WR type routes) TE snaps.
We keep pointing to Kelce, but he's a unicorn: he's a big dude who's a high-end blocker (which gets lost due to KC's low run-rate), an outstanding route-runner, and is competitive as all hell. A Kelce type is a great fit for this offense alongside a Lewis-type blocker, but in all honesty they're just not going to find one.
"We don't need a TE who is the first option on a pass, just a decent 5th option who will catch it."
I would argue that the Packers should be looking for two combo TE types--maybe one vet and one in the draft--who are capable blockers and capable route-runners. If the idea is to run the ball, you need to get your guys blocked...but if you have to guess whehter those guys are going to be blockers or running a route that can threaten the short and intermediate zones (at least), the offense is so much harder to defend.
Dalton Kincaid is not a blocker at all. He's not Travis Kelce. He's a jumbo slot/WR. People need to start calling him that.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 09:51 am
I believe Musgrave falls into same category of Kincaid.
With the Packers working on new offensive schemes during the Combine, and Jordan Love who know the direction the Packers may take in 2023?
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 11:02 am
Hoping the direction the Packers take is wherever Darnell Washington is. He is a blocker. He is a huge target, with a wing span that rivals a pterodactyl. I love his 6th lineman mentality and his physical ability to run the seam. IDK if he's in our future, but I think if you pair him with Love now, they could have that special relationship on the field like Mahomes and Kelce or Tony Romo and Jason Witten...
I could be very wrong, but Washington is married with two daughters, so I don't think he's going to be your average rookie. I think he'll be all business and I think he and Jordan Love would be great for each other. On and off the field.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 11:13 am
BD,
I love this!
"Hoping the direction the Packers take is wherever Darnell Washington is. He is a blocker. He is a huge target, with a wing span that rivals a pterodactyl".
Holy Hanna....a fricking pterodactyl? You da man!
I agree should the Packers draft Washington it would be amazing. However, I am almost positive there is no way in hell he is available at #45. I think he is a first rounder but if he fell into round 2 the Packers would definitely have to move up extremely high in round 2 to get him.
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 08:36 pm
I don't think he'll make it to 43 either, if we get the Jets 2nd rounder... I figure about 38, if not sooner. If we did get 13, Gutey may trade back with one of our 1st rounders? I figure he's got to be on Gutey's radar... He'll know where he wants to take him...
I've seen a bunch of drafts over the years, and I'm not really very impressed with too many prospects this year. Quentin Johnston could be a game changer. Washington could be a game changer. Bijan could be a game changer. There are a bunch of good football players, but not too many, IMO who move the needle into "game changer" status.
For some reason, I really think Broderick Jones may be a future LT in the mold of Bakhtiari... I wouldn't mind Gutey taking him at 15. If we could trade back to 21 and gain a 2nd, I think I might even consider Washington at 21? IDK... Who knows what Gutey will do. Probably OLBer/OL... Lol...
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 09:19 pm
When I think of Quentin it is about much more than what he brings as an individual. The true value is how Johnston works in conjunction with Watson, Doubs, and our eventual TE. He just seems to add the perfect blend of speed, size, and nasty.
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 08:43 pm
Gibbs... I like him in the 2nd round if we get an extra 2nd. Just no telling what Gutey's overall plan will be. Hell, he could have his eye on guys like Matt Landers and Zack Kuntz. We know he likes to target specific players with a definite plan, we just don't know who they'll be.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 10:58 pm
Only problem with Landers who I do like as he has good size is that he missed two seasons due to injuries as I recall. How available will he be in the NFL?
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 11:44 pm
IDK...
Gutey should know everything and act accordingly.
We're not getting paid to do his job.
(Wish we were though!)
; P
jannesbjornson
March 16, 2023 at 01:23 pm
We do know Andy Reid used a 2-TE set off the OTs with Dbl WRs, 2.0 times to the tune of Two TDs in the SB with his "corn dog" sets.
jannesbjornson
March 15, 2023 at 07:53 pm
He could go lower 1st round to upper second. He is a Pro fit. Get him.
splitpea1
March 15, 2023 at 07:32 pm
Wow--only five drops.... He would also be a nice fit for us in the red zone, a place where we could definitely use some improvement.
BirdDogUni
March 15, 2023 at 10:46 pm
10" hands are awesome...
4.54 - 40 sucks though... (I do think he plays faster than that though.)
NFL.com has him as the 6th best WR with a score of 6.38
I think he'll go 2nd round for sure.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 15, 2023 at 11:01 pm
The Packer offense needs a top 3 WR in round 1 to operate the way I think they want. They also need a good move TE in the middle. Nothing against Tillman and I am sure he will be a great pro. Whatever WR/TE the Packers draft is going to need to pull defenders away from Watson. They are going to need to be a threat to pull defenders off the line to allow our running game to function.
The Packer offense struggled with Lazard & Rodgers and with them both gone and we have an inexperienced Jordan Love at the helm. He needs offensive talent and threats to open up the field and the running game. If the Packers go offense in round 1 like I expect & explain above there is a high chance they go defense in round 2. Of course, until we know exactly what we get in return for Aaron Rodgers it makes everything difficult. Do we get 2 picks in round 1? Two picks in round 2? Both? Is Bachtiari and possibly others traded like GG suggests? That would be a game changer right there!
BirdDogUni
March 15, 2023 at 11:37 pm
See my reply to you above... Lol
Pipedream City!
: )
jannesbjornson
March 16, 2023 at 02:17 am
Separation comes from the technique off the release. Tillman moves the DBs away from him physically and sets them up with his footwork. He brings down the contested catch with his vertical ability and big mitts. Strong hands like Devante. Kincaid can work the hooks fast, but Kraft is bigger and gets the RAC like a run away horse.
246toothpicks
March 16, 2023 at 09:22 am
Just a reminder. Davante Adams ran a 4.52 coming out. Just sayin'.
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 12:06 pm
Very true, and while he was a great WR for the Packers, imagine if we'd have had a true #1 WR to pair with him... ; P
Rice/Taylor
Rice/Owens
Swan/Stallworth
You could go on and on in history.
jannesbjornson
March 16, 2023 at 01:16 pm
What might have been, is a question mark...
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 09:10 pm
IDK who the "Davante Adams" of this class is, but I'd love to pair him with Watson... ; )
Doubs as a #3 WR may be more like a #2 while the other two guys get most of the attention.
Toure may develop too, but we can't count on it.
Which means we need at least one more WR. We can't afford a FA, so it'll have to be through the draft, IMO. We all have our favorites, lets just hope Gutey grabs the right guy.
Probably need two TEs... Hoping for Washington, but again, it depends on Gutey. Should be fun, if nothing else...
PhantomII
March 16, 2023 at 09:11 pm
Jefferson at #20....
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 10:11 pm
Very ture 246 very true! Adam was somewhat of an outlier wasn't he?
In the receiving game it is important to have different skill sets. It is hard to fathom the Packers having another Adams again, but Doubs in his rookie year reminded me of a poor man's Adam. Will be interesting to watch his development in year 2, and with Jordan Love at QB because I think Doubs is going to surprise with his improvement. The Packers have Doubs & Watson, but they lost Lazard. Tonyan is being reported to be signing with Chicago. Johnston brings a certain body type, speed, & a nasty temperment, which in my opinion is the perfect blend with Doubs & Watson. I do not see Jordan Addison, JSN, or even Tillman being the ideal match to make Doubs & Watson exceptional. I might like Xavier Hutchinson as much or better than Tillman. Of those three I believe Tillman (2nd rounder) would be a better match than JSN, or Jordan Addison both who will be first rounders. Depending on who the TE ends up being maybe my mind will change but for now I love how nasty & physical Johnston plays. No delicate straight line WR but one who wins 'almost' all high point contested catches.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 12:52 am
Don't sleep on this guy!
I keep saying give 20-year old Kayshon Boutte,WR from LSU some love on here. Big upside and possibly late 1st rounder. If not, early 2nd rounder. Only upside with this young player as he continues to mature. Love to see a Feature on him here at CCTV!
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 12:55 am
I thought he was faster looking at his tape... Maybe just had an off day in Indy?
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 01:01 am
Maybe just because he is so smooth!
stockholder
March 16, 2023 at 04:44 am
Read the article again.
He had a bad ankle.
PackEyedOptimist
March 16, 2023 at 04:20 am
Boutte reminds me a lot of Randall Cobb, though I still prefer Jonathan Mingo as a slot type.
golfpacker1
March 16, 2023 at 07:29 pm
This is a really strong draft for WR. Unless we trade back in 1st round or score extra picks from Rodgers trade, we won't have an extra 2nd round pick to use on a WR. I think there will still be attractive choices in 3-4-5 rounds.
Xavier Hutchinson-Iowa State is a good one to pick in 3rd or after and he had 4 good years and over 3000 yards receiving, not just 1 good year like Tillman. Both will be good #2 receivers because they catch everything. One is going to be more expensive with an earlier pick but I don't think the value will be greater. I like Bryce Ford-Wheaton and jonathon Mingo better and later and cheaper than Tillman. The Princeton receiver is under the radar, Andre Iosivas. Just as big, he is faster and catches everything. Could be a steal. My sleeper who seems to be getting more attention is Matt Landers-Arkansas. 6'5 210lbs and ran 4.3 @ combine. He also has impressive video.
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 08:06 pm
Landers isn't a sleeper at all. At least not since the Combine. MVS clone with more coordination, IMO.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 10:18 pm
Well thought out comments golfpacker1.
I do like Xavier and from recall he is 6'3" and over 200 lbs. Very good player and comparable to Lazard. I was thinking about these two receivers being very similar when the whole Tillman discussion/article was going on the other day.
I like Landers too but if I recall he basically lost the last two seasons with injuries. He does have great size though. How will he hold up? I would think because of his injury history he may slide quite a bit.
golfpacker1
March 16, 2023 at 07:43 pm
You know BirdDog the Bahktiari trade talk has died down for a while but I am glad you bring it up. I would trade Bahk at this point in his career. But not to the Jets because he is worth a 2023 1st rounder and they won't have it or trade it. Bahk would be very much a popular man and the Pack would get alot of calls on him, maybe a bidding war. He has been hurt alot the last 2 years but still has big value. Trade him, get the extra 1st rounder and draft an OT. Or trade him to Jets for Mekhi Becton and a 3rd round pick. Start Bectons career over with a good team, he is too young with too much upside to give up on. Maybe we get 10 years out of him.
BirdDogUni
March 16, 2023 at 08:04 pm
I don't think we'll trade Bakh until the Trade Deadline if we trade him... Even if we draft a LT this year. I think after the season starts we ride with Bakh until we think our other option is ready to go... Who knows? Someone might give up a 2nd for Nijman and then we'd have to keep Bahk, if we can't match their offer...
IDK what will happen with Bahk, but I don't think we'll trade him before the draft. I think if we do it will be because a contender needs him before the trade deadline, and is willing to give up a '24 1st rounder, but what do I know... ; )
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 16, 2023 at 10:21 pm
Now BD!
We get the Jet's #13 to go with our #15, and now you are talking about 'if' a contender wanted to trade for Bachtiari for a 2023 first rounder. Hmmmm......you would see a full out but very slow sprint on my part if I was at the draft to get my trade card in to the commissioner.
With that combination of first round draft choices can you say....Johsnston, Kincaid, and Robinson? :)
Make my dream come true Gutey!!!
golfpacker1
March 17, 2023 at 07:06 pm
I didn't know Landers had injury history, but he is like huge and almost Randy Moss fast. I first found him when I was looking to see what college WRs had the most YPC last year. I read up on him and found he was originally a Georgia recruit and committ before Arkansas. His highlights video is wildly impressive. He has the stop and go of a 6 foot receiver at legit 6'5. And he catches everything away from his body. Kind of light @ 205 but man he would be well worth a 6th or 7th round pick which I think we have 4 of. What kind of injuries cause it doesn't seem to have slowed him down at all. WE could put 10 lbs on him with cheese alone.
The other guy I found when YPC hunting was Trea Schropshire-UAB. Another tall, skinny, fast WR. This guy has AVERAGED 24 YPC for the last 3 years yet he is barely mentioned in WR ratings. His video is also impressive. The Iowa State guy, Hutchinson was their main guy for 3 years so he was double teamed alot and still caught 3000 yards of passes.
This is a great draft to get a really good WR after the 2nd round. Excited to see who we end up with even as UDFA.