2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Jonathon Brooks, RB Texas
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Jonathon Brooks, a 4-star recruit and the #25 ranked RB in the 2021 class, hails from Hallettsville, Texas, and attended Hallettsville High School.
During his first two years playing at the University of Texas, he was behind one of the most highly-touted running prospects of his generation, Bijan Robinson. As expected, he redshirted during his freshman year after four games. However, his role did not grow much during his sophomore year, resulting in Brooks having a complementary role. He had a total of 54 touches, 389 yards, and 7 touchdowns in his first two years.
In 2023, Brooks had the opportunity to start as a running back and he made the most of it. In 11 games, he rushed for 1,139 yards on 187 attempts and scored ten touchdowns. He was also a good receiver, catching 25 passes for 286 yards and a touchdown. Brooks was recognized with 2nd team Big 12 honors and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, which is awarded to the best running back in the country each year.
Injury Concerns
Brooks suffered a torn ACL in November, which means that he will not be able to participate in any pre-draft events. However, he is expected to recover in time to play as a rookie, since there is enough time between the start of the season and his injury. PFF has Brooks as the RB1 in the 2024 class, if it weren’t for his injury many others, myself included would have him in consideration for the top spot. He has a true three-down skillset and could be a valuable addition to any NFL RB room.
Measurables
NCAA Statistics
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2021 | Texas | Big 12 | FR | RB | 4 | 21 | 143 | 6.8 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 0 | 22 | 155 | 7.0 | 1 |
| *2022 | Texas | Big 12 | FR | 7 | 30 | 197 | 6.6 | 5 | 2 | 37 | 18.5 | 1 | 32 | 234 | 7.3 | 6 | |
| *2023 | Texas | Big 12 | SO | RB | 11 | 187 | 1139 | 6.1 | 10 | 25 | 286 | 11.4 | 1 | 212 | 1425 | 6.7 | 11 |
| Career | Texas | 238 | 1479 | 6.2 | 16 | 28 | 335 | 12.0 | 2 | 266 | 1814 | 6.8 | 18 | ||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- Quick feet allow him to accelerate to a football field’s 2nd and 3rd levels.
- He is a plus receiver in the passing game who can do much more than catch checkdowns.
- As a runner, he excels in space and uses body control to erase angles from defenders.
- The player has plus vision that allows him to recognize and set up holes for bigger plays in the running game.
- Despite having a slighter frame, he remains a capable pass-blocking back.
- Plays bigger than his weight, and will initiate contact with defenders.
Weaknesses
- Due to his upright running style, he can lose pad level with defenders from time to time.
- Lacks true home run ability, as he can be caught from behind.
- He lacks the physical strength needed to consistently overpower defenders.
- Although he is a good all-around player, he lacks exceptional abilities that would set him apart from others.
- ACL injury is going to ding him. We will have to see how he bounces back at the next level.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: Day 2
Ideal Landing Spot: Dallas Cowboys Pick 87
Brooks is a versatile running back who can excel in a variety of offensive systems at the professional level. Barring any health concerns, he should make his way onto an NFL team shortly.
The Dallas Cowboys’ rushing attack, which was spearheaded by Tony Pollard, failed to deliver on the ground in the 2023 season. Pollard’s performance deteriorated drastically, going from one of the most productive to one of the least productive running backs in the league. Additionally, Pollard is now a free agent, and it remains to be seen if he will return to the team. In this situation, Brooks could be an excellent option for the Cowboys as a one-for-one replacement, given their position as one of the top offenses in the NFL.
Jonathon Brooks is a highly regarded running back in the upcoming 2024 draft class who is considered to have a well-rounded set of skills. He has the potential to thrive in the right system at the professional level. However, his biggest concern is how he will recover from his ACL injury. If he can return to the same level of play he exhibited before his injury, one NFL team will get a good player at a discount.
Post-Draft Analysis
Pick 2.46 to the Carolina Panthers
Brooks
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe video breakdown of Jonathon Brooks below.
