The 2025 college football season saw the return of Tennessee’s downfield passing attack, powered by a couple of transfer portal finds. Joey Aguilar and Chris Brazzell immediately found a connection, which ignited Josh Heupel’s passing game after it was seemingly missing in action for a couple of seasons. Aguilar’s riverboat-gambler style was a perfect match for Brazzell, who constantly won downfield with his 6-4 frame.
Athletically, it’s hard to ask for much more here. However, there’s a narrative
that goes with Josh Heupel receivers, one that dates all the way back to Art Briles at Baylor. Limited route tree, quarterback friendly offense, you’ve heard them all by now.
Will Brazzell be able to buck that trend?
Prospect Information
Position: Wide Receiver
Schools: Tulane, Tennessee
Height: 6-4
Weight: 198 pounds
Stats: 2025 season: 62 catches, 1,017 yards, 9 touchdowns (12 games). Averaged 16.4 yards per catch.
High School Prospect Ranking: 3-star, 1,307th overall
Scouting Chris Brazzell
6-4, 198 pounds, an 80+ inch wingspan with 4.37 speed — there’s a lot to like just on paper here with Brazzell. Then you flip on the tape, particularly the Georgia game, and you see it all in action. Aguilar had complete trust in his receiver in one-on-one moments, and more times than not, Brazzell delivered.
The length and athleticism of Brazzell overwhelms corners in man coverage, allowing Brazzell to go up and over to make contested catches. The body control to get in position and make catches in tough spots there, too. The long-speed to separate downfield shows up as well, although he’s more of a builder than a quick accelerator.
Simply put, Brazzell was built in a lab for the Tennessee offense.
Brazzell was a freshman All-American during his time at Tulane, bursting onto the scene with over 700 receiving yards. It took him a season to find his way at Tennessee though, but that was also due to some of Nico Iamaleava’s early struggles. Brazzell made up for it as Tennessee’s unquestioned No. 1 in 2025.
Tennessee receivers have a bit of a stigma to them under Heupel for their incomplete route tree, but Brazzell does show some ability to gear down and quickly get in and out of breaks. Some polish will likely be needed in that area though.
Brazzell immediately brings a downfield threat to an NFL offense from day one, which has plenty of value. He’s a big play waiting to happen, and the tools are there for him to become a true No. 1 at some point down the road.
Chris Brazzell NFL Draft Prediction
Brazzell’s projection has been all over the map. Some even have him lasting until Saturday. This is one that I’m higher on than the rest of draft media — I think the athletic tools are too good to slide that far.
2nd round, pick 53: Pittsburgh Steelers
