Kevin Stefanski’s relationship with Cedric Tillman isn’t just built on coaching; it’s built on urgency. The Browns head coach, sitting firmly on the hot seat heading into 2025, doesn’t have the luxury of waiting around for slow development. That’s why his praise of Tillman hits a different note. “I don’t believe Ced missed a day of the offseason program, he was here every single day,” Stefanski said, his tone less about flattery and more about relief. He needs his guys, especially the ones he’s drafted and developed, to fire now, not next year.

However, things got scary on the third day of their training camp, July 25. The receiver went down awkwardly after trying to haul in a high pass from Joe Flacco. It was a scary moment. Tillman grabbed at his lower left leg, needed help from trainers, and didn’t return. For a young receiver with rising expectations and a head coach who’s been vocally optimistic about his development, the sight of Tillman limping off the field could’ve spelled trouble.

But Kevin Stefanski gave a surprisingly upbeat update on Saturday. “Looks like we dodged a bullet,” he said, looking visibly relieved. No structural damage, no long-term setback. In fact, the coach even gave a timeline for this return. He hoped that Tillman would be back on Saturday. That alone tells you a lot about how minor the scare turned out to be, and how tough the third-year wideout is.

In 2023, Tillman caught 21 passes for 224 yards in 14 games with zero touchdowns. Fast forward to 2024, and in just nine games, he’s already outpaced that: 24 catches, 264 yards, and three scores, including a long of 38 yards. Stefanski sees that upward trajectory, but he also sees the pressure closing in. This isn’t about grooming Tillman for some long-term WR2 role down the line. This is right now.

The Browns can breathe easier, and Stefanski knows it. With Tillman emerging as a key part of their receiving department, especially in the wake of changes in the WR room, they need him healthy.

Kevin Stefanski needs more options

Kevin Stefanski has already chosen this core group. Jerry Jeudy stands alone at the top of Cleveland’s WR hierarchy, entrenched as the unquestioned WR1. His breakout debut season in brown and orange, with over 1,200 yards and four touchdowns, earned him a spot among the NFL’s Top 100 players. With him anchoring one side of the offense, all eyes are now on the WR2 spot, where Cedric Tillman sits with crucial weight on his shoulders.

Tillman is the clear choice for WR2, the X‑receiver role on the depth chart. And right now, more than ever, he must become more than just a developing prospect. Reports indicate that coach Kevin Stefanski sees steady improvement across the meeting room, weight room, and practice field dimensions. But with Jeudy pulling defensive attention, Tillman needs to turn potential into consistent production.

Behind him, the mix is murky. Michael Woods II slotted as WR3, brings upside, but he’s yet to produce much in the NFL (just 12 catches for 110 yards) and has dealt with injuries and suspensions that have limited his momentum. That meager production makes him more of a wild card than reliable depth heading into camp.

Meanwhile, other names like Jamari Thrash, David Bell, and DeAndre Carter float around further down the depth chart, but none offer a compelling case for immediate starting impact. As camp and preseason approach, the Browns face a stark reality. If Tillman doesn’t assert himself, the position behind Jeudy is dangerously thin. Fans have raised alarm over the lack of proven depth beyond Jeudy.

That pressure amplifies the need for Tillman, not Woods, Bell, or Thrash, to step into a true second target role right away. With the top spot secured and the bottom murky, the middle of Cleveland’s receiver corps is heating up fast. For Tillman, the message is loud and clear, elevate now or risk slipping into anonymity. The Browns and especially coach Kevin Stefanski can’t afford hang time in development this season. The opportunity is his. Now it’s on him to seize it.