Chris Brazzell II Could Be Minnesota's Replacement WR3

The Minnesota Vikings will look to address myriad roster needs in the upcoming draft, and there has been a riveting amount of buzz regarding the potential addition of a wide receiver. After Adam Thielen’s retirement and Jalen Nailor’s signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota could take Chris Brazzell II in the middle rounds of the NFL draft and develop him as a viable third option for the years to come.

Chris Brazzell is a field-stretching vertical threat with an imposing frame out of Tennessee. fantastic tracking ability and a height that gives him an advantage- allowing him to recover throws that others would not be able to capture.

The New York Jets selected his father, Chris Brazzell Sr., in the 6th round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before a seven-year career in the CFL with Edmonton, British Columbia, Hamilton, and Winnipeg.

The Vikings have historically valued strong separators with nuanced route-running and good production, and Brazzell posted strong seasons at Tulane and Tennessee. He had 44 receptions for 711 yards as a redshirt freshman at Tulane before transferring, then had a true breakout in his fourth year with the Vols.

Brazzell was targeted 86 times in 2025, hauling in 61 receptions for 1,006 yards and six touchdowns as a Vol in 2025. His 16.5 yards per reception were good for second in the upcoming draft class. He also posted a 2.57 YPRR, tying him for eighth amongst the 2026 declarees. Also impressive was his 3.2% drop rate, the 11th-lowest among his peers.

Brazzell’s most dominant performance of the 2025 campaign came against the eventual SEC champions, posting a statline of six receptions for 177 yards and three touchdowns vs. the Georgia Bulldogs. Brazzell’s yards-per-route-run was an astonishing 4.66, and he generated a perfect passer rating of 158.3 when thrown to (one of three such games he recorded in 2025). The burner ability was all over the film, and Brazzell’s speed and contact balance were nothing short of phenomenal.

In the play below, Brazzell creates instant separation off the line, beating the defensive back inside with a rocker step before kicking his long-legged stride into gear.

Brazzell generates prominent separation with his route nuance, albeit in a limited offense. While the athletic profile mandates a look, he showcases route-running traits that can improve his projection.

His gait is effortless, and his throttle control is eye-catching. Posting a 4.37 forty-yard dash at the Combine, he would be the truest deep-threat the Vikings have rostered in recent memory.

The Vikings have also not drafted a receiver taller than 6’1” during Kevin O’Connell’s tenure; Brazzell would be the furthest break from the mold at 6’4”.

The freakish combination of size and speed stands out while watching the tape. Brazzell also demonstrates excellent flexion and is incredibly agile and fluid, with fantastic hip sink, especially given his frame.

While Brazzell’s stature provides an advantage against defensive backs downfield, he’s occasionally less assertive than desired at the catch-point. Brazzell’s hands in contested situations are fantastic, and he puts himself in position to make plays on the ball. Still, the film lacks the litter of uber-dominant catches over defensive backs you may expect from a player of his size. While it didn’t prove to be an issue at the collegiate level, the translation will have to be monitored.

Also warranting concern are potential off-field issues, including Brazzell's history of missed court dates, primarily related to traffic stops.

Still, Minnesota’s offense would benefit greatly from a legitimate deep threat, especially one with Brazzell's size and production. If available in the late second or third, he warrants a selection.

Brazzell would provide the Vikings with a striking profile, giving presumptive starting quarterback Kyler Murray an incredibly dynamic, big-bodied deep threat. He would be a burner who could clear space for and take advantage of the gravity generated by perennial All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson and the ever-dangerous Jordan Addison, allowing for an incredibly talented wide receiver trio for the foreseeable future.