After a standout campaign with Tennessee football in 2025, wide receiver Chris Brazzell II entered the 2026 NFL Draft. Ultimately, Brazzell was selected in the third round by the Carolina Panthers. Now, he’ll have the chance to make an impact as a rookie.
According to FanDuel, Brazzell is among the contenders to win the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Brazzell has +8000 odds to win the hardware, tied for the 22nd-highest mark in the league. He’s tied with the likes of Ja’Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt, Kaytron Allen, Drew Allar, Cade Klubnik, Ted Hurst, Skyler Bell and Justin Joly.
The favorites to win the award are first-overall selection, quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love at +430. Then, it’s Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate at +650 and Jadarian Price at +850 to round out the top five.
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Brazzell joins the NFL team he grew up rooting for, despite being from Midland, Texas. This choice stems from a youth football team he played for, also named the Panthers.
Brazzell proved to be one of the most reliable options and big-play threats in the SEC this past season. He totalled 1,017 yards on 62 receptions for a total of nine touchdowns. This included an incredible showing in the narrow home loss to Georgia, featuring 177 yards and three touchdowns on six receptions.
This was his second year at Tennessee. In his first, he was typically the first off the bench, coming up with the game-winning reception against Alabama at home. He started his career at Tulane.
ESPN slots Brazzell as the backup to Tetairoa McMillan with the Panthers. However, he could also be fighting alongside Xavier Legette and John Metchie III for snaps at the other outside wide receiver spot.
