The New England Patriots are having a fantastic season, owning the NFL’s best record (11-2). While their main focus right now is getting to and winning the Super Bowl, it’s not too early to start thinking about the NFL draft. Recently, Ayrton Ostly of USA Today assembled a mock draft. He has the Patriots taking Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II in the first round (32nd overall pick):
New England could use a pass-rusher, but it also wouldn’t hurt to add a receiver like Brazzell.
“32. New England Patriots: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
New England could go a lot of ways with this pick but opt to give Drake Maye another weapon in the passing game. His size (6-foot-5, 200 pounds) pairs well with good burst off the line to give the Patriots a vertical threat. Despite his long levers, he’s shown a solid ability to operate underneath as well.”
Patriots Predicted to Draft Wide Receiver Chris Brazzell II
His Career Thus Far
Chris Brazzell II attended Midland Christian School in Midland, Texas. He transferred to Midland Legacy for his senior year. During his senior season, Brazzell caught 59 passes for 859 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also helped lead Midland Legacy to a 10-2 record and a second-round appearance in the Texas Class 6A D-I state playoffs.
Brazzell then committed to play college football at FAU. However, he ultimately changed his mind and chose Tulane. He passed up offers from Pittsburgh, New Mexico State, Southern, and Austin Peay.
In 2022, Brazzell played in Tulane’s first two games of the season before redshirting. He would put together a breakout second season. That year, Brazzell caught 44 passes for 711 yards and five touchdowns. For his efforts, he earned freshman All-America honors and All-AAC Third Team accolades.
Brazzell then transferred to the University of Tennessee. During his first season with the Volunteers, he recorded 29 receptions, 333 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
Should the Patriots Draft Him?
Stefon Diggs is the Patriots’ best wide receiver. The four-time Pro Bowler is leading the team in receptions (64) and receiving yards (705) this season. However, he’s 32 years old. In other words, he’s no spring chicken.
Mack Hollins, who’s third on the team in catches (35) and fourth in receiving yards (440) is also 32. With that said, the Patriots need to add a little youth to the receiver position. That means it would make a ton of sense to draft youngster Chris Brazzell II.
Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson wrote this about the Tennessee star:
“Chris Brazzell II is a dangerous, explosive playmaking wide receiver who will be a major contributor in the NFL, if he lands with a great quarterback.”
Well, if he goes to New England, he’d certainly land with a great quarterback. The Pats’ Drake Maye is battling Matthew Stafford for MVP honors.
Receivers like Diggs, Hollins, and Kyle Williams are all under contract for next season. But the Patriots should still draft Brazzell, though.
Main Image: Eric Canha – Imagn Images
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