Jonathon Brooks's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks could be heavily involved in the passing game this season. According to head coach Dave Canales, the rookie running back's versatility is "probably the biggest thing that stood out" when the Panthers studied Brooks prior to last month's draft. Although he's recovering from a torn ACL, Brooks was still the first running back off the board, emphasizing Carolina's interest in deploying him as soon as he's healthy. Brooks will compete for touches in a backfield that consists of Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, and Rashaad Penny, but he might be the best pass-catching option of that group. Canales' glowing comments boost Brooks' fantasy value, and so does the new head coach's experience in Tampa Bay. As Buccaneers offensive coordinator, Canales helped funnel plenty of targets to emerging dual-threat back Rachaad White. White finished last season as the RB4 in PPR leagues, so it's safe to say that Brooks' upside is quite high if he can indeed get involved both on the ground and through the air. Perhaps the biggest obstacle will be the Panthers' offense, which may have to prioritize throwing deeper if they're playing from behind in 2024.

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee), who was the first RB taken in this year's NFL draft in the second round (46th overall), is on track to be ready to participate in training camp this summer. The 20-year-old tore his ACL in November, but the injury didn't come with additional ligament damage. Brooks has already resumed running. The Texas Longhorn alum racked up 1,139 rushing yards and also had 286 receiving yards in 11 games in his final collegiate season in 2023 before tearing his ACL. He'll enter a crowded backfield in Carolina alongside Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders. The Panthers plan to utilize all three RBs in 2024, but given Sanders' struggles last year, Brooks will have the opportunity to leapfrog him on the RB depth chart eventually if his knee holds up. Still, Brooks will be more of a dynasty/keeper asset in fantasy in 2024.

The Carolina Panthers traded with the Indianapolis Colts to move up to the 46th spot to select Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (knee). He was behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson on the Texas depth chart for two seasons. However, he broke out in 2023 with 1,139 yards and 10 rushing scores and was named second-team All-Big 12. The 20-year-old tore his ACL late in the season but should be ready for training camp. Brooks joins a crowded running back room with Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders, which could limit his fantasy value early in the season, but he should be a late first-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said former Texas running back Jonathon Brooks had the best pre-draft interview of any young prospect Jones has spoken to in 30 years. "We got him high, high (on our board). He's a good player," Jones said. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are getting close to a reunion with running back Ezekiel Elliott. The team's top RBs right now are Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn after Tony Pollard left in free agency this offseason, so Dallas is definitely looking to add to the position in both free agency and the draft. Brooks could come off the board at No. 56 overall to the Cowboys and could be in line to see a substantial backfield role in his first year in the NFL if he were to land in Dallas. At this point in his career, Zeke is merely a complementary weapon. The biggest question mark with Brooks is that he's coming off a torn ACL.

University of Texas running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is the odds-on favorite to be the first running back off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The 20-year-old has -110 odds to be selected first, with Florida State's Trey Benson (+220) and Michigan's Blake Corum (+400) trailing behind him. Brooks sat behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson during his first two collegiate seasons, but he broke out as a redshirt sophomore in 2023 with 187 carries for 1,139 yards and rushing 10 touchdowns to go along with 25 receptions for 286 yards and one receiving score. He suffered a torn ACL on November 11, but if he's the first ball carrier drafted, fantasy managers can assume the team who selects him is comfortable with his medical report.