Cedric Tillman may be a gamble worth taking for Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have been rumored to be interested in several wide receivers this offseason. Those rumors, however, have ultimately led us nowhere. So, who could the Chiefs be interested in when the draft comes around?

With a bunch of talented receivers, they could go any number of directions. Cedric Tillman, out of Tennessee, could be worth a gamble for the Chiefs in the second round.

In the NFL, receiving corps are typically built to have diversity and have guys that are good at different things. Tillman, if he reaches his potential, would be a unique addition to the roster and could bring a new skill set to Kansas City.

Would Brett Veach be willing to take a chance on a “boom or bust” candidate like Tillman? We discuss the pros and cons.

Reasons why the KC Chiefs should consider Cedric Tillman:

1. Tremendous ball skills:

If you wanted a receiver that can go up and grab the football out of the air, you’ve found one. In fact, there may not be a receiver as good as Cedric Tillman in this category. With an ability to adjust in the air on the ball as well as time his jumps perfectly, Tillman adds an element that the Chiefs do not currently have.

While Marquez Valdez-Scantling is a bigger-bodied receiver that can get open in the deep passing game, Tillman is more of a possession receiver that can make tough catches in the middle of the field. Unlike many of the receivers on the roster today, Tillman is a great fit for back shoulder throws and out routes to the sideline in third down situations.

2. Size/Catch Radius:

Tillman has an impressive frame. At 6-foot-3, his his length creates a problem for opposing defensive backs. While his mass is somewhat slight, there is room for him to add some healthy weight. For the Chiefs, Tillman would be an explosive possession receiver that could make quick grabs at the line to gain and is certainly quick enough to make a man miss.

Mahomes and the Chiefs would likely benefit from having a player with both great skills in terms of his ability to play the ball in the air, and create separation in the middle of the field. With some time and development, Tillman could develop into a No. 1 wide receiver.

3. Red Zone and Short yardage ability:

At first glance, it appears that Tillman is built to strictly be a downfield threat. This is not the case. Tillman showcased, whenever he was asked, that he could drive defenders backwards. He might not be the most physical receiver in the draft, but he is more than capable of making a big play and gaining the yardage needed.

In Kansas City, he would make for an excellent red zone target and would immediately take some of the attention off of Travis Kelce in the red zone. Additionally, his ability to adjust on the ball could make him a consistent back-breaker for defenses on third and long.