The 2024 NFL Draft class isn’t particularly strung at running back, with no player at the position poised to be selected in the first round. However, Texas Longhorns star Jonathon Brooks could be the first running back taken in 2024, especially following a recent injury update.
Brooks, 6-foot, was one of the best running backs in college football early last season. After operating as the Longhorns’ third-string running back in 2022 behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, he became the focal point of the Texas’ rushing attack last season.
- Jonathon Brooks stats (career): 1,479 rushing yards, 6.2 yards per carry, 16 rushing touchdowns, 28 receptions, 335 receiving yards, 12 yards per reception, 2 touchdowns (266 career touches)
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In his first season as the starter, Brooks was off to a fantastic 2023 campaign early. After accumulating just 109 rushing yards in his first two regular-season games, Brooks averaged 128.8 rushing yards per game from Sept. 16 through Nov. 11.
Unfortunately, Brooks tore his ACL on Nov. 11 against the TCU Horned Frogs and was forced to undergo season-ending surgery. Not only did it prevent him from earning first-team All-American honors, but it also meant he couldn’t work out during the pre-draft process.
- Jonathon Brooks PFF stats: 140.8 Elusive Rating (4th in FBS), 24 Explosive runs, 63 missed tackles forced, 3.91 yards after contact per attempt
With the 2024 NFL Draft just days away, however, it appears Brooks received some outstanding news when he went through medical checks at the medical recheck in Indianapolis.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Brooks’ surgically repaired knee is recovering nicely and there is a belief he should be ready for NFL Week 1. Even more importantly, he should be able to participate in training camp this summer.
“Without an ACL injury last year, I think there’s no doubt Jonathan Brooks is the first running back off the board, potentially in the first round…The story his draft prep is the medicals and it was the medical re-check for him at the combine this week, which I am told by sources, went extremely well. They were very pleased with what they’re seeing from the healing right now and the understanding is he should be ready to go by Week 1.”
Mike Garafolo on Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks
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Impact of injury news on Jonathon Brooks’ draft stock
As Garafolo stated, the consensus evaluation on Brooks is that he would be the best running back in the 2024 NFL Draft and the first taken off the board if not for the knee injury. It obviously hurt his draft stock and the inability to test athletically raised further questions, but the medical examination was critical to the process.
Not only did Brooks’ knee check out with NFL doctors, but they reportedly came away from it without any further questions on his recovery nor did they have any minor concerns. Brooks’ rehab is exactly where teams want it to be and any team that drafts him will feel comfortable starting him in Week 1.
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Brooks should now be a second-round pick later this month, with teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants and Carolina Panthers standing out as potential landing spots.