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Panthers receiver Chris Brazzell II is already getting compared to Justin Jefferson.

The Carolina Panthers selected wide receiver Chris Brazzell II in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, and the rookie is already garnering some impressive comparisons. 

Panthers legend Thomas Davis liked what he saw during rookie minicamp, and went as far to say that Brazzell reminded him of one of the best receivers in the NFL on the latest episode of Panthers Huddle. 

“Watching his movement patterns, watching how fluently he was able to run through his routes really reminds me of one of the top receivers in the NFL in Justin Jefferson,” Davis said. “His movement patterns were truly special.”

Chris Brazzell II Has Impressed Early on in Panthers Camp

Brazzell racked up 62 catches for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns in his final year at Tennessee, earning him All-SEC honors. It’s not the first time, though, that Brazzell has earned some high praise during his brief time as a Panther. 

Panthers head coach Dave Canales called Brazzell “one of my favorite players in the draft ” and already is excited about the prospect of pairing him with Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan.

“The football skills and the speed, the ability to track the ball down the field at his height to be able to drop his weight, get in and out of breaks, it’s rare,” Canales said. “We were just really, really excited that we were able to just stay put where we were at and he came to us in the third round.” 

While Brazzell has the hype, he may have a bit to go before he’s on the level of Jefferson, who already has 8,480 career receiving yards and 42 touchdowns at just 26 years old. As a rookie, Jefferson notched 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns, setting a high bar for Brazzell to clear. Still, the Panthers rookie has all the tools to be successful if he can put it all together in the NFL. 

Will the Panthers Wait to Extend Quarterback Bryce Young?

Meanwhile, as Brazzell settles in, the Panthers have another story to watch. Carolina recently picked up the fifth-year option for quarterback Bryce Young, but whether or not they extend him to a massive new deal will likely depend on his play in 2026.

General Manager Dan Morgan said that things are in a good spot, although an extension isn’t looming immediately, 

“That’s something, here internally, that we’ll keep talking through,” Morgan said. “We’ll be in touch with Bryce’s agent and we’ll figure it out at the right time. Right now, I know Bryce is focused on getting better every single day. We obviously love him. He’s getting better year after year, becoming a great leader for us and, really, mastering Dave and Brad Idzik’s offense. So, we’re excited about Bryce. When the contract happens, we’ll see about that. But we’re excited about him and our future here in 2026.” 

If Young can continue his trajectory in 2026, he could become one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the league this time next year. Otherwise, the Panthers may have avoided a costly mistake if Young regresses instead. 

Trevor Ripley Trevor Ripley is a Heavy writer covering the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals. More about Trevor Ripley