4 best wide receiver fits for Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft

1. Cedric Tillman, Tennessee

Perhaps even moreso than Johnston, Tillman is a prototypical “X” receiver in this draft class.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds, Tillman ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds at the Combine. He plays with good body control, with the size and ability to consistently win on 50-50 balls. If not for a high ankle sprain last season that cost him about half the season, he’d likely be in the first round conversation right now.

In 2021 Tillman had 64 receptions for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns, with notable big games against Alabama (seven catches for 152 yards and a touchdown) and Georgia (10 catches for 200 yards and a touchdown).

It’s not a stretch to say Tillman could become one of the best receivers out of the 2023 draft class. For Jeff Mans of Elite Fantasy, Fantasy Guru and SiriusXM, he’s the best wide receiver in the class.

The first-round value is just not really there at wide receiver in this draft beyond one or two guys. A robust second, Day 2-range tier exists though, and Tillman is at least near the top, if not at the top, of that heap. When they’re on the clock with one of their two second-rounders (No. 48 and No. 55), Tillman could be a new Lion in short order.

Other possible wide receivers fits for Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft: Jayden Reed (Michigan State), Rashee Rice (SMU), Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee), Matt Landers (Arkansas), Josh Downs (North Carolina), Jonathan Mingo (Ole Miss), Xavier Hutchinson (Iowa State)