Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, and plenty of talent is still available on the board heading into Day 2.
Jonathon Brooks headed into the weekend as one of the more interesting draft prospects of the entire class. Among a group of productive RBs still available to draft this weekend, many feel Brooks is the best.
However, he is coming off a major knee injury which has muddied his draft evaluation and has him undrafted heading into the event’s second day.
Update: The Carolina Panthers drafted Jonathan Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, trading up to No. 46 (from the Indianapolis Colts) to select the RB.
Jonathon Brooks’ Draft Stock
Not many had a running back going in Night 1 of the draft, but if there were to be one that slipped into the top 32 selections, many believed it would have been Brooks, who got the nod even with the ton ACL he is still currently coming back from.
However, that didn’t happen, and while the NFL resets and regroups to start Day 2, Brooks is ripe for the taking for any team that may need an impact RB.
Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings is intrigued by Brooks. While his knee injury is a big question mark, and the feeling around the RB position has changed league-wide, Cummings believes a team will get a playmaker if they draft the former Longhorn.
READ MORE: Pro Football Network’s Jonathon Brooks Draft Profile
“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. Past his natural talent, Brooks also has three-down utility and the skill set required to accommodate gap, counter, and zone schemes,” says Cummings.
“Brooks can be an exceptional addition to an RB rotation. Provided that he doesn’t lose any burst after recovering from a torn ACL, he can be a solid-if-unspectacular scheme-versatile starter at RB, with passing down upside,” he continues.
Brooks is unquestionably one of the top RBs in the entire class, and with Day 2 upon us, we can expect to hear his name called at some point on Friday night. We look at some possible landing spots that would make sense for the former Longhorn.
Potential Day 2 Landing Spots for Brooks
Dallas Cowboys
This fit makes too much sense, and the Dallas Cowboys are making their interest too obvious. The Cowboys have a tremendous need at the position, and despite the reports that they are possibly going back to an old friend in Ezekiel Elliott, the need for a game-changing RB is still there for them.
There have been rumors that Dallas would be quick to grab the Longhorns’ RB if he made it to pick No. 56, and where there is smoke, there is usually fire with the Cowboys. There is still a chance he goes off the board earlier than that, but if he is still there it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see them run the card up to the podium.
New York Giants
The New York Giants lost one dynamic RB in Saquon Barkley this offseason, and the selection of Brooks on Day 2 could help soften the blow for them. Barkley commanded a contract the Giants were uncomfortable paying, and what better way to replenish the position than through the draft?
There is no guarantee that Brooks will have the type of impact Barkley had at times in New York, but there are enough smart people around the league who feel Brooks is capable of that type of play at the next level.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh rang in the new era for the Los Angeles Chargers by grabbing Joe Alt in Round 1, and now he can circle back on Day 2 to add another piece to the offense to run behind.
KEEP READING: Best Remaining Prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft After Round 1
They did not bring Austin Ekeler back in free agency this year, but the Chargers’ rushing attack has been lackluster the last few years even with him in the fold anyway.
However, that could change with the addition of Brooks as Harbaugh looks to implement a competent rushing attack in L.A. and help Justin Herbert elevate with the necessary pieces around him.
Looking for everything you need surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!
