Jonathon Brooks | Texas Ht: 6’ 0.5” Wtt: 216 lbs. Birthday: 7/21/03 (20)
Jonathan Brooks was drafted 46th overall by the Carolina Panthers and was the first running back off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Brooks was slow out of the gate at Texas, as he was stuck behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson for his first two seasons as a Longhorn. As a result, he has minimal tread on his tires and only rushed 238 times during his college career. His junior year cemented his status as a top running back prospect in the 2024 class, with 187 rushing attempts for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns. Brooks can also be a weapon in the receiving game too, and Texas used him often in that manner. In the 2023 season, he added 25 receptions for 286 yards and one touchdown.
FILM
Brooks looked impressive on film, showing off quick feet and good vision behind the offensive line. He is agile with his cuts and can create yardage in tight quarters due to his short-area burst. He shows great elusiveness in the open field and does well to make initial defenders miss. At times, he seems hesitant to hit holes with decisiveness and needs to improve his ability to set up his blocks, but this should be something that he can fix as he gains experience at the NFL level. His lack of home run-hitting speed is unlikely to get better after coming off of an ACL injury. As a pass-catcher, he needs to improve his route tree but excels once he transitions into a runner.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Unfortunately, due to the ACL injury suffered in November of 2023, Brooks wasn’t able to show off his skillset at the NFL combine. It has been reported that he ran an unofficial 4.45 40-yard dash, which would tie him for 5th in the 2024 class and third amongst running backs that were selected through day 2 of the draft. His athletic ability will likely return with time, as ACL injuries have become less concerning with advancements in sports medicine and surgery.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Great
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Great
Jonathon Brooks was selected with the 46th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
I have Brooks ranked as the number one running back in this class for projected future dynasty value. He has the potential to make an impact at the next level but projects more as the leader of a committee rather than a true workhorse. Given the injury situation, he is likely more of a reserve in year one, but I expect him to start to get on the field toward the end of the 2024 season. It is also unlikely that Chuba Hubbard will do anything this season to separate himself from other rotational backs. The Panthers should have far more holes to fill than at RB next offseason, which should allow Brooks to seize the RB1 role in Carolina to begin the 2025 season.
Jonathan Brooks should go off the board in rookie drafts in the late first round or early part of the second round, and his selection will largely depend on a dynasty manager’s ability to stomach waiting a year to find out what Brooks can be.
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