Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
Size:
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 216 pounds
Arm Length: 31 1/2"
Hand Size: 9 1/4"
Accomplishments:
Preseason Third Team All-Big 12 (2023)
“Jonathon Brooks is an effective one-cut running back who can create explosive plays in the run game with his speed and acceleration.”
Strengths:
Vision / IQ
Straight Line acceleration
Passing-down contributions
Concerns:
Size
Injury
Lateral agility
Film Analysis:
Jonathan Brooks made his impact during the 2023 season. He emerged throughout the season from a running back by committee, earning snaps and becoming the lead back in the Texas backfield. Brooks proved that he can be a true three-down back who has a skill set to play in zone schemes and also run between the tackles on gap/power schemes. Brooks has the skill and athleticism to carve out a role making impactful plays in the run game and contributing on passing plays.
On run plays, from the snap, Brooks does a good job scanning the line of scrimmage for any holes and can jump-cut or make a lateral cut to get into a hole. Brooks is effective on outside zone runs where he can press hard outside and then find a lane to cut back into. Brooks excels at making one cut and then getting vertical into the second level of the defense. Once into the second level of the defense, Brooks can either condense his frame and make a lateral cut to make defenders miss or he can accelerate past second-level defenders. Brooks has the acceleration combined with the speed to create large chunk plays in the run game.
In the passing game, Brooks is an adequate pass blocker who can help in chip and release situations but also could be left in pass pro and pick up second-level blitzing defenders.
Brooks' concern as a running back on the next level is the ability to sustain his running style at his current size. Brooks is a runner who appears to like running in between the tackles and embraces collisions with defenders. This style is effective and helped Brooks be productive during the 2023 season, but there is a question of this being sustainable on the next level without injury. Brooks could either benefit from adding more muscle and overall mass to develop his frame to match this running style, or he can change his style and work to avoid collisions on the next level.
Overall, Brooks projects to be an effective NFL running back who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Alabama (2023), Kansas (2023), Baylor (2023), Oklahoma (2023)
