Pros, cons of Carolina Panthers picking Tennessee's Chris Brazzell in 2026 NFL Draft

Her other uncle, Calvin Murphy, was an all-time great. He was an All-American at Niagara, an NBA star with the Houston Rockets and a Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member.

What Chris Brazzell brings to Carolina Panthers in 2026 NFL Draft

Brazzell emerged as a potential early-round draft pick in a 2025 game against Georgia, when he caught six passes for 177 yards and three TDs.

He earned All-America honors and became arguably the best wide receiver in the SEC with 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine TDs in 2025.

NFL scouts love Brazzell’s long frame, wide catch radius and his ability to play above the rim to make catches over defenders. He is a tall receiver who can leap to pull in passes. He can run past defenders with long strides, clocking 4.37 seconds in the 40.

That combo helped him average 16.4 yards per catch as a deep threat.

Chris Brazzell stats with Tennessee, Tulane

Brazzell was productive at Tulane. In 2023, Brazzell had 44 catches for 711 yards and five TDs, and then he transferred to Tennessee.

It took him two seasons to turn into a go-to receiver for the Vols.

In 2024, he had 29 catches for 333 yards and two TDs. That included the go-ahead touchdown on a diving catch in the fourth quarter to beat Alabama. But he lacked consistency in his first season in the SEC.

Brazzell took off in 2025. He earned All-SEC and All-America honors and became arguably the best wide receiver in the SEC. He racked up 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine TDs.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter*@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.*

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Carolina Panthers pick Tennessee's Chris Brazzell in 2026 NFL Draft