Mel Kiper Jr. Tabs Chris Brazzell II as NFL Combine Standout

Image: Avery Bane/Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

INDIANAPOLIS – Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II was one of the biggest risers of any prospect in Indianapolis, earning a spot on Mel Kiper Jr’s list of thirteen NFL Combine standouts. The highly esteemed draft analyst highlighted Brazzell after the former Vol delivered one of the most complete workouts of any wideout in this year’s class.

Brazzell measured in at 6-foot-4, 198-pounds and is coming off a breakout 2025 campaign in Rocky Top, where the Whitehouse, Texas native posted 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns, leading the SEC in receiving yards per game at 84.8. His combination of size, speed, and efficiency made him a matchup nightmare all season, and he showed it in Indy.

Kiper had already projected Brazzell as a potential riser heading into the week, but the Vols wideout exceeded even those expectations. 

“Last Thursday, I predicted that Brazzell would run something in the ballpark of 4.47 in the 40‑yard dash and push himself into the first‑round conversation. Well, he ran a 4.37. At his 6‑foot‑4 size, that’s really something,” Kiper said.

“I’ve been a fan of Brazzell throughout the process, and I had him in my first Round 1 mock draft in January. Scouts will start to take notice; it’s hard to find receivers with that body type who can run and move as he does. He popped in 2025 — his second season at Tennessee after transferring from Tulane — with 1,017 yards and nine scores. Brazzell averaged 16.4 yards per catch and had just two drops last season. He’s strong and makes plays in 50‑50 situations. I expect a lot more late‑Round 1 buzz for him now.”

If that first-round buzz turns into reality, Brazzell could make Tennessee history. A first-round selection in April would make him the first Vols wide receiver drafted in Round 1 since Cordarrelle Patterson in 2013, ending a 13-year drought at the position. 

Brazzell will have another chance to elevate his stock at Tennessee’s pro day on March 31, where teams will get a closer look at one of the fastest risers in the class.