The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday evening in Detroit, though the majority of selections will take place over Friday and Saturday. It is highly unlikely that any running backs will be selected in the first round of this year’s draft, but Texas RB Jonathon Brooks is projected to be an early second-round selection. Brooks was a standout with the Longhorns in 2023, rushing for 1,319 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2023 before he tore his ACL in November. The injury ended his season prematurely and likely dropped his draft stock, but Brooks has the talent profile to excel at the next level once he completes his recovery.
Jonathon Brooks: Scouting Report
Brooks’ talent was immediately visible to anyone who watched part of a Texas game before November in 2023. He can also work into the passing game, finishing his final season with over 200 receiving yards. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein outlines Brooks’ potential at the next level:
He’s agile and smooth working from cut to cut and is likely to improve his feel for reading blocks and setting up defenders as he gains experience. Brooks has the wiggle and know-how to create yardage in tight quarters or in space but is efficient finishing runs when it’s time. He has good burst but can be a little hesitant to punch the gas between the tackles until he sees clear points of entry, and he isn’t a physical run finisher. Brooks is a runner on an upward trajectory. He’s a good pass catcher with three-down potential who should fit nicely as an early starter for zone-heavy teams.
Mock Draft landing spots
The consensus seems to be that the Dallas Cowboys will grab Brooks with the 56th overall pick of the draft. Field Yates pointed out in his ESPN mock that “Jerry Jones is unafraid to be bold in the second round, and Dallas badly needs a running back.” The Chargers and Giants are two other potential second-round landing spots for Brooks.
Fantasy football implications
Brooks would likely be the primary running back for Dallas if he goes there, and if his ACL recovery goes well, he could end up being a huge fantasy earner for the Cowboys this season. He will likely be utilized both as a receiving option and a rusher, and could be a fantasy leader as a rookie. If he lands with the Giants, we would see him used at a similar rate, though the Chargers could use him in more of a rotational role along with other backs. Brooks has a high fantasy ceiling in Dallas if they are unafraid to lean on him this season.