Former Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell II hit with a superlative that’s a compliment, but will make Vol fans chuckle
The VFL is getting high marks early in Charlotte, but to Vol fans, that’s likely not a surprise.
Former Tennessee Vols receiver Chris Brazzell II was a criminally underrated player going into the 2026 NFL Draft. Some scouts, such as Todd McShay, saw a rare player who can run crisp routes and make big plays. That was on clear display in his five catch, 177 yard, three touchdown performance against Georgia last year.
As such, pretty much any Tennessee fan would tell you that it would not be a surprise to see him impress quickly in NFL camp. But that’s exactly what ESPN’s staff is saying about Brazzell’s first couple of months with the Carolina Panthers.
ESPN put out a list of one surprise offseason player for all 32 teams, and Brazzell got the nod for the Panthers.
ESPN lists former Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell II as Panthers’ most surprising offseason player
“The Panthers got some side-eye from critics when they drafted a wide receiver in the third round, with Tetairoa McMillan, the 2025 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, already on the roster,” ESPN staff wrote. “But the 6-foot-5 Brazzell, a lengthy playmaker, is making believers out of Carolina fans as an impact player in OTAs and minicamp.”
Honestly, I find that description a bit odd. The Panthers certainly have a budding star on their hands in McMillan, who topped 1000 yards last year. He’ll be a player who merits attention from opposing defenses
But in today’s NFL, teams are looking for not just number one guys but to find three strong options at wide receiver. The Panthers like Jalen Coker, who just earned a hefty pay day after his second season. But the options past those two are iffy, so Brazzell warranted the pick. Putting as many options as they can around QB Bryce Young isn’t a bad idea.
And Brazzell has speed, a high catch point, good hands, solid route running skills, and size. All traits that made him a sleeper for Mel Kiper and a player that the aforementioned McShay was high on. And if you had just asked just about any random Tennessee fan, they’d have told you the same thing.
So, while it might be a surprise to some, it’s hardly one to those in East Tennessee.