Who Should I Start? Cedric Tillman or Xavier Hutchinson

Thursday, May 9, 2:13 PM

The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that the Cleveland Browns believe wide receiver Cedric Tillman can make a second-year leap in 2024. Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore figure to start in most three-receiver sets this year, but Tillman should have an opportunity for a bigger role as the No. 4 as the season progresses. The 24-year-old third-round pick last year out of Tennessee caught 21 of his 44 targets for 224 yards and no touchdowns in 14 games (three starts) in 2023 in his rookie season. Behind Tillman, David Bell, rookie Jamari Thrash, James Proche II, Jaelon Darden and Michael Woods II will have to battle for playing time in training camp this summer. Tillman won't be worth drafting in standard-sized leagues this fall, but he could become intriguing as a waiver-wire pickup if one of the three starters goes down with injury at any point.

Monday, September 11, 11:07 AM

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday and finished the 25-9 loss by catching his only target for a nine-yard gain. Hutchinson was Houston's No. 5 receiver in this one with John Metchie III (hamstring) unable to play, and he saw just seven snaps on offense. The 23-year-old sixth-round selection worked behind Robert Woods, Nico Collins, Noah Brown and rookie Tank Dell on the road in Baltimore. The Iowa State has good size, which could make him a red-zone option, but he's buried too far down the Texans' receiver depth chart to be on the fantasy radar in 2023.