In the middle of the third round, Tennessee heard another Vols name called as Chris Brazzell II was selected by the Carolina Panthers, an organization looking to add another receiver to complement Tetairoa McMillan, who won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year last season. In my opinion, this is a good landing spot for Brazzell, though not everyone agrees.
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The Athletic Football Show, a podcast hosted by Robert Mays alongside co-hosts Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman, was not high on the Chris Brazzell II selection by Carolina. They said, “This feels like Xavier Legette all over again.” They also noted that while Brazzell’s speed is real and he offers a unique skill set, but his limited route tree could be an issue at the next level.
"This feels like Xavier Legette all over again."
— The Athletic Football Show (@TA_FootballShow) April 25, 2026
Our guys discuss the Carolina Panthers adding Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell in the third round. pic.twitter.com/lf0dpexE7j
The national media doesn't love the pick for Carolina
What I don't understand is this narrative that Tennesse Vols struggle once they reach the NFL. The Vols have one of the most impressive track records all time with wide receivers in the NFL, as they have 45 wide receivers drafted, putting them at third all-time in the common draft era. Cedric Tillman, Juan Jennings, Jalin Hyatt, Velus Jones Jr., Jopshua Palmer, and Dont'e Thornton are all in the league and nwo they have Brazzell.
What I don’t get is why they were bashing the pick. We all knew Chris Brazzell II wasn’t an elite route runner with a crazy route tree, but he is a true deep threat with outstanding athletic traits. He likely won’t be a 100-catch-per-season receiver, but more of a big-play weapon similar to Jameson Williams in Detroit. He has that second gear to take off the top of the defense, making him the perfect complement for star wideout Tet McMillian on the other side of him.
Brazzell is no stranger to proving doubters wrong. Coming out of high school, he only had one Power Five offer, yet he’s continued to develop and elevate his game. I’d bet he finds a way to prove the doubters wrong once again.
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