Rookie Profile: Jonathon Brooks, Running Back, Carolina Panthers
This is the Rookie Profile for Jonathon Brooks, a running back from the University of Texas. He is from Hallettsville, Texas, and attended Hallettsville High School.
During his first two years playing at the University of Texas, he was behind one of his generation’s most highly-touted running backs, Bijan Robinson, and NFL counterpart Roschon Johnson. 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 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 second-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.
Here is what I wrote about Brooks ACL injury back in February. “Brooks suffered a torn ACL in November, which means 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.”
As expected, Jonathon Brooks was the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Taken with the 46th overall pick by the Carolina Panthers. He is the one rookie running back in line to get as much work as possible in 2024. I have him as my RB8 in dynasty.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 2 Pick 46
- The NFL has indicated that they consider Jonathon Brooks the top rookie running back. Drafted in the middle of the 2nd round, tells us he is an impact player for fantasy football. Using a top 50 pick on Brooks, the team is signaling their intention to give him every opportunity to showcase his talent. He will be a focal point for the Panthers throughout his rookie contract.
Landing Spot- Carolina Panthers
- Given how bad the team was on offense in 2023, it might seem like a bad situation for any running back, but that’s not the case. Volume is king in fantasy football, and Brooks is setup to be a bellcow. No running back on the Carolina roster was inside the top 20 in the NFL in missed tackles forced, yards after contact, Breakaway Rush Rate, PFF rush, and receiving grade. Adding to that, Dave Canales has repeatedly mentioned his desire to get Brooks involved in the passing game, which is essential in fantasy football.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Starting Running Back
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
I have Jonathon Brooks as the first player in tier 3 of my rookie drafts at pick 1.09. Over such players as Xavier Worthy, Brian Thomas Jr., Ladd McConkey, and Bo Nix. Brooks can make a greater impact in the short term than all the players mentioned in that tier of rookie drafts. If you are a contender and looking for an impact asset, you could take him over Brock Bowers. Brooks has the profile, skillset, and opportunity to be one of the best players from this rookie class, and player dynasty managers should be excited to draft him in the middle of round 1 of rookie drafts.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe Sneak Peek Video of Jonathon Brooks
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
