Carolina Panthers depth chart prediction reveals what role fans should expect for former Vol Chris Brazzell as a rookie in the NFL
Former Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Chris Brazzell was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round (No. 83 overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft. Brazzell spent two seasons at Tennessee.
Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Chris Brazzell was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round (No. 83 overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Brazzell, who started his career at Tulane, spent the last two seasons at Tennessee.
The Texas native was modestly productive in 2024 — 29 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns — before breaking out in a big way in 2025 with 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns.
Early Panthers depth chart prediction reveals what role fans should expect for Chris Brazzell as a rookie in the NFL
It’s far too early to know exactly what the Panthers’ depth chart will look like this fall, but that won’t stop springtime predictions from being made.
The Athletic’s Joseph Person took a shot at an early Carolina depth chart this week and he has Brazzell listed as a starter, alongside Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.
“The Panthers were hoping to add a dynamic receiver with yards-after-catch ability whom they also could use in the running game,” wrote Person. “Two players with those skills — KC Concepcion and Omar Cooper — were drafted in the first round after the Panthers took Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. Brazzell, the third-round pick from Tennessee, might not be as elusive with the ball in his hands, but he can take the top off the defense with his straightaway speed and has a knack for coming down with jump balls.”
Interestingly, Person has former South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Xavier Legette, a first-round selection by the Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft, listed as a backup.
It seems that Brazzell, who turns 23 in September, is going to have an opportunity to make a big impact as a rookie with the Panthers.
It’ll be up to Brazzell to make the most of that opportunity.