When the Carolina Panthers selected wide receiver Chris Brazzell II in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, one voice carried extra weight in the conversation: franchise legend Steve Smith Sr. The Panthers' all-time leading receiver recently shared his thoughts on the team's newest pass-catching weapon during a break from a golf event at Quail Hollow.

Speaking with The Charlotte Observer, Smith offered a thoughtful scouting report on Brazzell, who brings a blend of size and speed to a Carolina offense that desperately needed a vertical threat. "That's the best thing about any business — you hire specialists," Smith explained. "Chris Brazzell is a deep threat, down the field, 50-50 ball specialist. It's not a 50-50 ball when it's thrown to him. He can get past you. He was excellent at Tulane."

Smith's praise came with a hint of caution, however, as he noted the mixed track record of wide receivers from Brazzell's transfer destination. "My only criticism would be, in years past, some of the Tennessee Volunteers wide receivers have not always had the same amount of production in the league that they've had in college."

Brazzell's college résumé certainly turns heads. After earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2025 with 62 catches for 1,017 yards and a conference-best nine touchdowns, he followed up with another strong season at Tulane in 2023, hauling in 44 passes for 711 yards and five scores. At 6-foot-4 and 198 pounds, he brings the kind of frame that makes him a matchup nightmare on the outside.

The Panthers could use that production. Carolina's offense finished 27th in points, total yards, and yards per passing attempt last season — numbers that scream for a game-changing deep threat. Brazzell's speed and catch radius could be exactly what the doctor ordered.

But Smith emphasized that Brazzell's true impact might not show up on a stat sheet right away. "I don't know the young kid, I'm obviously going to get to know him — but I choose to not speak to players during this process because I like my professional opinion to be formed by watching film," Smith said. "More than anything, I love all of these kids because you get to see them grow."

For Panthers fans, that growth could be the key to unlocking a passing game that's been searching for its next star. With Smith's seal of approval — and a few words of wisdom — Brazzell has a chance to make his mark in Carolina.