7 2026 NFL Draft Prospects Flying up Scouting Dept. Rankings

Big, fast and talented is the combination every NFL team wants in a prospect regardless of position. It’s even more tantalizing when it’s a wide receiver.

The offensive game at the professional level evolved into the reliance of creating chunk plays. Defenses countered by leaning heavily on creating pre-snap confusion, while marrying shell coverages to force opponents into being patient, with the hopes they’ll make a mistake or two along the way.

Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II is 6’5″, with the vertical speed to take the top off of any defense. Against the Georgia Bulldogs in September, the junior prospect caught six passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns. He currently ranks among the nation’s Top 12 in receiving yardage (808) and touchdown receptions (eight).

Questions automatically arise whenever a Tennessee prospects is mentioned, because Josh Heupel’s system doesn’t necessarily translate to the NFL because it’s built around college football’s wide hashmarks to stretch an opponent horizontally and naturally create vertical passing opportunities.

For Brazzell, his status as an ascending prospect is built simply around his size, speed and production. He’s a more talented route-runner than Tennessee’s recent receiver prospects. Brazzell is fluid for a man his size with nimble feet to show he can run a full route tree effectively.

Furthermore, he responded upon becoming a focal point of Tennessee’s passing attack. The Tulane transfer had to bide his time last season with Dont’e Thornton, Bru McCoy and Squirrel White in the same lineup. Brazzell may not lead the Volunteers in receptions this season, but he holds a distinct advantage in yardage.

Granted, whatever NFL team invests in Brazzell definitely desires a deep threat. However, his selection can provide awesome return as the wide receiver continues to develop and show more of his natural skill set.

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