Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell Projected as Top Fantasy Football Rookie in 2026 NFL Draft

The wide receiver is ranked 13th overall and 7th among receivers by ESPN for fantasy football potential.

Mar. 8, 2026 at 4:08pm

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Tennessee football wide receiver Chris Brazzell is projected to be one of the top fantasy football options among 2026 NFL Draft rookies, according to ESPN. Brazzell, who had a standout 2025 season for the Volunteers, is ranked 13th overall and 7th among receivers by ESPN for his potential fantasy football impact as a pro.

Why it matters

Brazzell's high fantasy football projection indicates he is expected to be an impactful offensive player at the next level, which could boost his draft stock and make him an attractive option for NFL teams looking for a talented wide receiver.

The details

In his 2025 season at Tennessee, Brazzell led the SEC in yards per game, totaling 1,017 yards and 9 touchdowns on 62 receptions. He proved to be an elite deep-ball threat, with a career 14.2 aDOT (average depth of target) at Tennessee. ESPN projects Brazzell as a "boom/bust low-volume, splash-play fantasy option" due to his big-play ability and limitations after the catch.

  • Brazzell wrapped up his second season with Tennessee in 2025.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on April 23 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The players

Chris Brazzell

A wide receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers who is projected to be one of the top fantasy football options among 2026 NFL Draft rookies.

Joey Aguilar

The quarterback at Tennessee who Brazzell played with in 2025.

Josh Heupel

The head coach at Tennessee who retooled the offensive scheme that Brazzell thrived in during the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“Brazzell is a tall, perimeter receiver with a big wingspan who will do most of his damage down field (career 14.2 aDOT at Tennessee) and doesn't offer much after the catch (class-worst 3.6 RAC). He has good speed (4.37 40-yard dash) and may settle in as a boom/bust low-volume, splash-play fantasy option.”

— Mike Clay, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on April 23 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. If Brazzell does fall outside the first round, he'd likely go the following day when rounds two and three are held.

The takeaway

Chris Brazzell's high fantasy football projection as a 2026 NFL Draft prospect highlights his potential to be an impactful offensive player at the next level, which could boost his draft stock and make him an attractive option for teams in need of a talented wide receiver.