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Brazzell’s blend of size, speed, and ball skills has scouts and analysts buzzing about his NFL potential.Knoxville Today
Former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III has made a bold prediction about Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Griffin believes Brazzell, who had a standout 2025 season for the Vols, will be a ‘problem for defenders at the next level’ due to his combination of size and speed.
Why it matters
Brazzell is one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2026 draft class, and Griffin’s endorsement adds to the growing hype around the Tennessee standout. As an accomplished former player himself, Griffin’s evaluation carries significant weight with NFL teams evaluating Brazzell’s pro potential.
The details
Brazzell, a 6’5″ receiver, had a breakout 2025 campaign at Tennessee, leading the team with 1,017 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns on 62 receptions. His performance at the NFL Combine, where he ran a 4.37 40-yard dash, further boosted his draft stock. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein praised Brazzell’s ability to ‘create downfield’ and ‘dominate above the rim’ with his size and athleticism.
Brazzell and other Tennessee players competed at the NFL Combine in March 2026.The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.
The players
Robert Griffin III
A former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback who was selected by the Washington Redskins (now Commanders). Griffin is known for his eye for talent and has made a bold prediction about Brazzell’s pro potential.
Chris Brazzell II
A wide receiver prospect from the University of Tennessee who is expected to be one of the top players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Brazzell had a standout 2025 season, leading the Vols in receiving yards and touchdowns.
Lance Zierlein
An NFL.com analyst who has provided a positive evaluation of Brazzell’s pro potential, praising his size, athleticism, and ability to make plays downfield.
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What they’re saying
“Chris Brazzell ll is going to make any QB he plays with very happy.-6’5.-Explosive athlete.-Wide Catch Radius makes him easy to throw to.-Every route looks like a go ball until it’s not.-DB’s worst nightmare of speed and size.”
— Robert Griffin III, Former NFL Quarterback
“Long-limbed ‘Z’ receiver with the ability to create downfield for an offense thirsty to make more explosive plays outside. Brazzell’s 2025 tape shows the game slowing down for him, allowing the production to catch up with the traits. He builds to speed with long strides and dominates above the rim. He’s adept at using length and body control to capture air space against cornerbacks. He’s a more competent route runner than most field-stretcher types, but he needs to become more physical on contested targets underneath. Brazzell didn’t see many in-your-face press challenges this past season, but he’s likely to get an early taste of it as a pro. Two-high shells and zone-heavy looks can shrink his snap-to-snap impact, but the quick-strike potential is real.”
— Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Analyst
What’s next
Brazzell and other top prospects will participate in individual team workouts and interviews leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft in April.
The takeaway
Robert Griffin III’s high praise for Chris Brazzell II further cements the Tennessee wide receiver’s status as one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Brazzell’s combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability has scouts and analysts excited about his potential to excel at the next level.