2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jonathon Brooks

Prospect Summary:

The Texas backfield has been loaded in recent years with some tremendous talents for the NFL. Bijan Robinson was a star for the Longhorns, but Roschon Johnson also played well to be a mid-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. After those two departed for the NFL, Brooks got the chance to be the workhorse for Texas, and he impressed in 2023 by averaging 6.1 yards per carry on his way to 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 25 passes for 286 yards and a touchdown. Brooks could have had an even bigger season thanks to more opportunities, but he went out for the year in early November with a torn ACL. Texas missed Brooks in its playoff loss to Washington. In 2022 behind Robinson and Johnson, Brooks notched 30 carries for 197 yards and five touchdowns.

There is a lot to like about Brooks for the NFL, who he looks like a potential three down-starter with the ability to serve as the bell cow of a rushing offense. Brooks demonstrates very good running fundamentals, and his natural running instincts are advanced. Brooks displays patience in spades, letting holes develop. On top of being willing to wait, he has the vision to see lanes about to come open, and he uses good body lean to run behind his pads. In the open field, Brooks has a second gear to break off long runs, and once he decides to go downhill, he has a burst to hit the hole quickly before it closes up. Brooks’ burst is impressive for a big back, as he has some serious explosion in the open field.

Brooks tends to run North-South, but he shows some elusiveness to dodge tacklers. With power and body lean, Brooks does run through contact, keeping his legs going and finishing his runs well. In the NFL, Brooks should be a solid back to pick up yards after contact because he has good overall balance, strength and knee bend, plus is able to run behind his pads. In short-yardage and goal-line situations, Brooks has the power and build to get the job done.

Brooks was solid in the passing game in 2023, showing a nice outlet ability. He did well on screens and showed some nice, soft hands. His pass blocking will need development for the NFL.

Brooks could be a second- or third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, provided his medical evaluation goes well. He has the skill set to be a potential starter or very good No. 2 back at the next level.