The Carolina Panthers addressed a clear offensive need in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Chris Brazzell II with the No. 83 overall pick on Friday night. The move gives quarterback Bryce Young another target after the team waited until Day 2 to add a pass-catcher.
Brazzell brings a rare combination of size and speed, measuring 6-foot-4 and 198 pounds while running a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. His production backs up those traits. During the 2025 season at Tennessee, he finished with 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 16.4 yards per catch and earning first-team All-SEC honors.
Before transferring to the Volunteers in 2024, Brazzell began his college career at Tulane, where he recorded 45 catches for 722 yards and five touchdowns across 15 games. His ability to generate explosive plays and serve as a consistent receiving option translated seamlessly to the SEC, where he became an essential part of Tennessee’s passing attack over two seasons.
The Panthers’ wide receiver room now features towering targets, with many standing 6-foot-3 or taller. Brazzell joins 2025 Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, giving the offense another perimeter threat and red-zone option. His speed also slightly surpasses Xavier Legette’s 4.39 time, positioning him as a potential replacement after Legette’s underwhelming performance.
Carolina had passed on several wide receiver options earlier in the draft, making this addition intriguing. Rather than pursuing alternative prospects available at multiple picks, the front office prioritized Brazzell’s combination of vertical speed, length, and proven production.
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