Projections forecast Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell to be available when the New England Patriots select with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Patriots replaced Stefon Diggs with Romeo Doubs in free agency, giving them a new leading wide receiver. However, Doubs has yet to go for 1,000 yards in a season, which opens the door for New England to seek a receiver that has the potential to do so in the draft.
Brazzell went for 1,017 yards in 2025. The Texas native led the SEC in receiving touchdowns with nine. Brazzell’s strengths lie with his route-running ability, as well as the speed with which he gets off of the line of scrimmage. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
A downfield threat is the type of wide receiver that figures to work well with Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Brazzell averaged 16.4 yards per reception last season. Maye finished second in the NFL in completions of 20 or more yards in 2025 with 67.
The 6-foot-4 Brazzell will also add size to whatever wide receiver room he enters at the NFL level in 2026. His size, as well as his speed, are what the Patriots need from a pass-catcher on the outside. He’s worth a look as soon as the first round of the draft.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Could explosive SEC playmaking WR present best draft fit for Patriots
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