Browns Breakout Candidate Earns Praise Ahead of Preseason Opener

When it comes to talking of breakout players, there is one answer for the Cleveland Browns that is becoming popular: second-year receiver Cedric Tillman.

The Tennessee product was constantly praised throughout the offseason, even after a lackluster rookie season. And through the first two weeks of training camp , the praise doesn't seem to be stopping.

"Cedric's really attacked the offseason. He's done the same here in training camp. He's really worked so hard to, again, learn the offense, to be better fundamentally," Browns' receivers coach Chad O'Shea said. "He's improved because of how he's approached it, and I can't say enough about his work ethic and what he's done to try to improve every day."

O'Shea's comments came after a strong practice from the Browns former third-round pick. As we've previously written, during the team's 11-on-11 period, Tillman showed signs of what made the Browns draft come out of Tennessee.

The former Volunteer got over the top of Cleveland's defense twice for touchdowns, showing off his ability to be a deep threat for the Browns this season alongside star receiver Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy.

So, what's been the difference for Tillman? He has had another year in the Browns offense and time to adjust to the variance differences between the NFL and college. But he's now had two offseasons of competing versus a talented Browns secondary.

"I feel like we have some of the best DBs in the game, so just talking to those guys, getting tips, obviously doing those real live reps with them definitely helps," Tillman said.

Related: Browns on the Bubble: Key Players Fighting for Roster Spots

While it may still be unlikely to expect Tillman to be a 1,000-yard receiver for the Browns this coming season, they may not need him to be that. With Cooper and Jeudy in front of him, the Browns may need Tillman to be the third receiver Deshaun Watson can turn to when defenses focus on the others.

Fans will get their first look at Tillman in a game Saturday when the Browns host the Green Bay Packers in their preseason opener. Kickoff inside Cleveland Browns Stadium is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. (EST).