Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Cedric Tillman

Wednesday, July 9, 3:34 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk was dealt from the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars for a late-round NFL Draft pick this offseason. The 28-year-old had a fantastic first season with Jacksonville in 2022, but injuries and offensive woes limited his production in 2023 and 2024. Last year, he tallied just 27 receptions for 379 yards and one score in eight games while Brian Thomas Jr. took over the WR1 role. Now in Houston, he is seemingly competing with rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel for the WR2 job behind Nico Collins. ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime believes Kirk might be the favorite to win that job. "The best way to step into the No. 2 or No. 3 role is building chemistry with CJ.. Stroud," Bien-Aime wrote. "And Kirk looked like a potential safety blanket for the third-year signal-caller." While this is promising for Kirk's fantasy prospects, the veteran has eclipsed 800 yards in just two of his seven NFL campaigns, and Houston's acquisitions of Higgins and Noel could suggest they were not comfortable with Kirk in the clear WR2 role. That said, his cost in drafts outside the top 50 WRs makes him an interesting dart throw in all formats.

Saturday, July 26, 1:18 PM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (calf) is back at training camp practice on Saturday, according to The Athletic's Zac Jackson. Tillman left practice early on Friday with what appeared to be calf cramping, but he's back in action a day later and shouldn't have any concerns going forward. The 25-year-old former third-rounder (74th overall) in 2023 out of Tennessee came on strong midway through last season when Jameis Winston took over at quarterback, but a concussion cut his season short. Heading into his third year in the NFL, he should be a starter in three-wide sets for Cleveland next to Jerry Jeudy and Diontae Johnson. In his two seasons with the Browns, Tillman has caught 50 of 93 targets for 563 yards and three touchdowns in 25 games (nine starts). He has opportunity, but with either Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett at QB, Tillman's fantasy upside will be limited.