‘That’s a special trait’ – Panthers head coach points out a rare skill Chris Brazzell has that Vols fans saw against Georgia last season
The Carolina Panthers selected former Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Chris Brazzell in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft in large part because of a “special trait” that he often displayed during his time in Knoxville.
The Carolina Panthers selected former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Chris Brazzell in the 2026 NFL Draft in large part because of a “special trait” that he showed in college.
Carolina actually thought they were going to miss out on Brazzell, but once he fell to the third round, the Panthers made him their top target.
The Panthers even turned down some “pretty enticing” trade offers from the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs to stay at No. 83 so they could draft Brazzell.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales details the “special trait” he loves about Chris Brazzell
The Panthers fell in love with Brazzell because of his elite size/speed combination, his unreal body control, and his ability to track deep balls while flying by defensive backs.
There’s also a “special trait” that Brazzell has that Panthers head coach Dave Canales absolutely loves.
“There aren’t a lot of fast guys who can play the deep ball that track it well, that catch it, and land on their feet,” said Canales during episode 1 of the Panthers Blueprint. “He’s catching a ball and there’s somebody falling around his feet. He’s able to land, step over (the fallen player), and finish the play for a touchdown. If you can catch it and stay on your feet, that’s a special trait.”
Tennessee fans saw plenty of that trait from Brazzell last season.
One memorable play where Brazzell showed off the skill came late in the third quarter of the Vols’ overtime loss to Georgia.
Brazzell gave Tennessee the lead by catching a jump ball over Georgia defensive back Daniel Harris.
Harris fell down on the play, but Brazzell stayed on his feet and cruised into the end one.
Brazzell made a similar play against Georgia defensive back Ellis Robinson in the first quarter of that game, too.
Brazzell has a real chance to be a special player in the NFL.