This upcoming 2024 NFL Draft class isn’t expected to have a running back selected in the first round, but that doesn’t mean the position will be ignored completely.
Expect Jonathon Brooks to emerge as one of the more intriguing options at RB in this rookie class. It’s time to dive into his background, which includes his recruiting process and the NFL potential he possesses.
How Tall Is Jonathon Brooks?
There was a time when NFL teams sought RBs who were 5’11” or under. Last year’s highest-drafted running back, Bijan Robinson, measured exactly that height.
Brooks, however, is one of the taller backfield options in this class, surpassing the average height mark and checking in at 6’0″.
How Much Does Brooks Weigh?
Brooks is already taller than most running backs, but is he light or heavy?
He’s not considered a big back by any means. However, Brooks comes in at a solid 216 pounds, which makes him in between thin and heavy for his position.
Brooks, though, had to bulk up to hit his current weight. He weighed 185 pounds before his senior season of high school.
How Old Is Brooks?
And a follow-up question: Is Brooks one of the oldest prospects in this rookie class?
Turns out he’s the opposite. At just 20 years old, Brooks is one of the youngest players available in his draft class. Brooks was born July 21, 2003, in Hallettsville, Texas.
However, he won’t be the youngest NFL Draft prospect in his class. Fellow running back Braelon Allen of Wisconsin holds that title, as Allen was born Jan. 20, 2004.
What School Did Brooks Go To?
Brooks heads to the league after replacing last season’s eighth overall pick, Robinson, in Austin.
Brooks was with the Longhorns for the entirety of his collegiate career, although he was splitting time with Robinson before last season. Brooks then took the backfield reins for the University of Texas for the entire 2023 campaign.
He signed with Texas as a 2021 recruit. The Longhorns managed to beat out Big 12 rival Texas Tech for his services. Texas even emerged as offer No. 1 for Brooks during his junior season of 2019.
By landing Brooks, Texas brought in a running back who scored an astonishing 70 total touchdowns during his senior season of high school.
Revisiting Brooks’ College Career
Brooks came to Austin as a late-rising prospect. He’ll head to the NFL as a late bloomer, as well.
While splitting carries with Robinson and others in the Longhorns’ backfield, Brooks never surpassed 200 total rushing yards in his first two seasons. But then came his breakout in 2023.
Brooks racked up 1,139 yards and scored 10 touchdowns for a balanced and aggressive Texas offense. He anchored the backfield for a Longhorns team that not only won the Big 12 title, but was one of four College Football Playoff representatives before falling to Washington.
Brooks had the option of going back to Texas for one more season, but he chose to enter the NFL Draft. He detailed his reason with former Longhorn Alex Okafor on the “Behind The Facemask” podcast.
“Say, for instance, I go back to Texas. God forbid I have an injury, like it’s a season-ending, career-ending. I don’t go to the league at all. Now all my dreams and aspirations are kinda gone in my head,” Brooks told Okafor back in January.
Brooks’ Potential in the NFL
Is Brooks heading to the league too early? Or will he follow Robinson as the first running back selected in the draft?
Trey Benson of Florida State holds the title of Pro Football Network’s top RB in the 2024 class. However, Brooks is ranked right behind Benson.
PFN draft analyst Ian Cummings is high on Brooks entering the draft.
“Brooks grades out as a top 100 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft and a potential early-round option for teams in need of a running back,” Cummings said. “Past his natural talent, Brooks also has three-down utility and the skill set required to accommodate gap, counter, and zone schemes.”
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Jonathon Brooks
Furthermore, Cummings is a fan of Brooks’ instinctive running ability and plus-speed right after he slashes through an opening in the defense.
Brooks also comes with a cunning vertical running ability, which manifests in his patience in letting blocks develop and then cutting inside to blaze past defenders.
Brooks, though, lacks the burst that Robinson showed at Texas. He’s also not consistent at breaking tackles, as he was often brought down by one defender. Cummings cites Brooks’ lack of lower-body drive as the reason behind that flaw in his game.
Overall, Brooks doesn’t carry the appeal Robinson had before the 2023 draft.
With teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, and New York Giants losing their lead backs in free agency, though, Brooks has the potential to come in and challenge for playing time on a team needing new backfield options.
Brooks enters the draft with a Day 2 or Day 3 grade, but he’s anticipated to be one of the first RBs taken this year.
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