2024 NFL Draft: Jonathon Brooks Draft Profile, Team Fits

Jonathon Brooks is one of the most exciting running back prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. In his time at Texas, he was trapped behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson. As a freshman and sophomore he didn’t play much, but was efficient in his touches. In just over 50 carries between the two years Brooks averaged over six yards per carry and he had seven total touchdowns. In 2023 he was finally able to take the lead role in Austin, and did well with it. He averaged over 100 rushing yards per game in 11 games before tearing his ACL in November. Despite the injury he was selected to All Big 12 Second Team, and declared for the draft following his breakout season.

Strengths

Patient behind the line of scrimmage

Effective pass catcher

Excellent, possibly best in the class vision

Makes the first defender miss 9/10 times

Solid leg drive, not overly powerful but can grind out tough yards at times

Weaknesses

Needs work in pass protection

Recovery timeline will hinder first year production

Caught from behind often, doesn’t have sixth gear

Not a pile mover at the goal line

Wins in one way in space, tendency to only use one move

Player Comparison: Watered down LeSean McCoy

Expected Draft Capital: Mid Day Two

Team Fits: Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys or Kansas City Chiefs

Last Word on Jonathon Brooks Draft Profile

Brooks has impressed many folks with his smooth rushing style and excellent vision. He topped our early running back prospect rankings, and is expected to be a lead back for an offense once he’s recovered. He has all the requisite size, ability and nuance to be a difference maker in the league.The mismatch between his ability as a pass catcher and his pass protection could be an early problem. However, Brooks is one of the youngest players in the draft and will turn 21 in July. He has time to learn the little things, and showed he’s not afraid of contact on film, just doesn’t have the technique down yet.

Jonathon Brooks is one of the best options for a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft. If he didn’t have the knee injury teams might be more comfortable taking him in the early second round. With the injury concerns, he’ll likely fall to the end of the second round or beginning of the third, but that’s still solid draft capital for a running back. In this film breakdown, Brooks shows off the vision and wiggle in the open field. He’s not the same bruiser Trey Benson is in the open field, but relies on his elusiveness to make defenders leap at ghosts while he glides past them. For teams looking for a big bodied pile driver, Brooks isn’t their target. But for teams looking for an efficient back who can help in all levels of their offense, Brooks should be towards the top of the board.

Main Photo Credit: Syndication: Austin American-Statesman

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2024 NFL Draft: Jonathon Brooks Draft Profile, Team Fits