The crop of wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft class is captivating, and amongst them we find Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell II. From some solid combine showings to some solid combine showings, Brazzell II should be highly-coveted in April.
Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell II 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
DOB: 09/22/2003 (22)
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 198 lbs
40-Yard Dash: 4.37s (combine)
College Production: 4 seasons, 136 receptions, 2,072 receiving yards, 16 touchdowns in 40 career games
Positives
- Elite length and frame, prototypical athlete
- Natural speed, evident in real-time on tape and at the NFL combine.
- Better routes than expected of a player his size.
- Awareness of coverage is good, reads zone well and finds soft spots.
- Excellent control towards the sideline, consistent boundary threat.
- Neat release package.
Chris Brazzell II had an explosive final season at Tennessee, becoming the SEC's only 1000-yard receiver and averaging 16.4 yard per catch. He played a strong set of opponents and has proven capable of producing downfield, using his speed to create separation.
Negatives
- Needs to add mass to his frame, notably underweight for his size.
- Loses against physical defenders often.
- Timing is poor is multiple areas, shows hands early on catches.
- Not a threat after the catch, operates like a possession receiver.
The hard part of Brazzell's game is his lack of mass - Most players with his height and length have more size on their frame, or else play defensive back. Though he's got a lot of elite measurables, he will get pushed around in the pros if he doesn't adjust. His game needs a lot of refinement if he intends to compete for a starting role in year one. Physicality will be a catastrophic issue without change.
Chris Brazzell II NFL Player Comparison: Christian Watson
Lance Zierlein of the NFL Network compares Chris Brazzell II to Christian Watson, and it does seem fitting. He stretches the field, strides long, and forces defenses to be aware of his presence on the field. He doesn't wow you with crisp routes, nor create big plays with agility or power, but he offers the threat of beating any receiver who plays off the line of scrimmage.
Chris Brazzell's Fit with the Buffalo Bills
There are plenty of players the Buffalo Bills could pursue at WR in the 2026 NFL Draft. Most of them have comparable traits: Speed, length, and the ability to take the top off a defense to force the field to open for everyone. Player like Bryce Lance of NDSU and Ja'Kobi Lane of USC are good fits, and we say the same of Brazzell. These players fit the archetype the Bills have left themselves open for after the trade for D.J. Moore.
Chris Brazzell II NFL Draft Grade: Early Round 2
Much like those others, Chris Brazzell II will be taken in the first four rounds, but he is a step above. There are aspects of his game that offer confidence, but the competition he's faced in the SEC make for a more trusted draft pick. There are worries about how he'll translate to the NFL, but they are based on body and not skill. Teams would be incredibly fortunate to find Chris Brazzell still available in Round 3.