Many great NFL players have their own fascinating draft journeys. Some not so smooth as others. So imagine this. A Charles Tillman Cleveland Browns uniform? Sounds utterly ridiculous. What many Chicago Bears fans will be stunned to know is that back in 2003 it almost became a sobering reality for the future Pro Bowl cornerback.
In an interview with the Bears team website, Tillman recounted how things went for him leading up to the draft. Though he’d enjoyed a productive career at Louisiana-Lafayette, the initial belief was that he’d go somewhere in the third round. History will note that Chicago ended up taking him with the third pick of the second round (#35).
The crazier part is the fact that Tillman was certain the Browns would be the team making that pick.
“I honestly thought I was going to be selected by the Browns because they’re the ones who did the most in-depth background work on me. They sent their security guy to my school. He talked to my teachers. He talked to numerous people at the places I’d hang on. He even talked to my landlord at my apartment. So I just assumed I was going to Cleveland. I knew anything was possible, but the Browns were doing the most work so I felt that I might be a Cleveland Brown.”
The Charles Tillman Cleveland Browns what-if story
What stunned him even more was the fact that Chicago had not met with him at all prior to the draft. Apparently the Bears were that sold on his ability. Turns out the scouts got their bonus pay for that one. Tillman, a Chicago native, became a fan favorite for the next decade. Quite possibly the best corner in franchise history who made an art out of forcing turnovers. By the time he was gone he’d delivered 36 interceptions and 42 forced fumbles. He actually changed the way the game was played because of his unique talents.
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It’s impossible to see him in any other uniform besides Bears navy blue. One can only imagine how his career might’ve turned out in Cleveland. The Browns were to begin a slow death spiral starting in 2003. During that time all the way up to present day they haven’t made the playoffs once. Lovie Smith never would’ve been his head coach and helped polish his skill for the takeaway.
It’s possible “Peanut” might’ve been just a blip on the radar in Cleveland. Another talented young player so woefully mishandled by one of the worst organizations in football. Thankfully that didn’t come to pass. Tillman forged an outstanding career in his hometown and should be in consideration for the Hall of Fame down the road.
Still, it’s fascinating to think about. Cleveland would be up on the board again at pick #52 in the second round of 2003. Did they have Tillman pegged as their guy before the Bears swiped him? It’s a definite possibility, and a horrifying one at that. The 2000s never would’ve been the same without him stalking ball carriers with that trademark Peanut Punch.
