Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks is among the most versatile offensive prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Brooks exploded out of his shell as Texas' primary back this season, rushing for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns on 187 carries. The Hallettsville native averaged an effective 6.1 yards per carry. Doubling as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield, Brooks added 25 catches for 286 yards and a touchdown to his offensive totals.
Brooks suffered a season-ending torn ACL in November but arrived at the NFL Combine without a knee brace. Brooks expects to be medically cleared by July 1, a timeline that would make him a complete participant throughout training camp and the preseason. We've identified three potential landing spots for Brooks.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Tony Pollard did not seize his season-long opportunity to prove he's capable of being Dallas' bellcow back. The Cowboys placed him in that role in 2023 following the release of Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard responded by rushing for 1,005 yards in a full 17-game season, averaging a career-low 4.0 yards per carry. Pollard now reaches free agency after surpassing 100 rushing yards in a game just once throughout 2023.
The Cowboys should target an upgrade with the 56th selection in the second round. They can't enter the season with Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn filling out the backfield depth chart. Brooks, who creates explosive plays through speed and acceleration, would be an outstanding weapon in Dallas' high-octane offense. The Cowboys should ponder keeping Brooks' talents in-state.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst could enter the 2024 NFL Draft looking for Aaron Jones' eventual successor. Jones is scheduled to enter the final year of his deal and the two sides aren't expected to negotiate an extension at this time. Furthermore, A.J. Dillon is an unrestricted free agent and may be searching for more money and opportunity than the Packers are prepared to offer him.
Drafting Brooks and having him serve as Jones' change-of-pace backup would be a terrific strategy to employ throughout the 2024 campaign. Brooks would add a dynamic element to the timeshare that the plodding Dillon failed to provide. Running back dealings around the league insinuate Jones will reach the open market next offseason. Adding Brooks now would help the Packers solve a problem before it actually becomes one.
HOUSTON TEXANS
I could see another in-state franchise showing interest in Brooks. The Texans might make changes to their backfield this offseason. Dameon Pierce failed to build on a solid rookie showing, rushing for 523 fewer yards in 2023 (416) than in 2022 (939).
Pierce landed himself in DeMeco Ryans' dog house by averaging an ineffective 2.9 yards per carry. Houston's new coaching staff didn't appear to be particularly high on Pierce's abilities. He was supplanted as the RB1 by Devin Singletary, who now reaches free agency after rushing for a career-high 898 yards. The Texans may face competition for Singletary's services. Instead of getting into a bidding war for a replaceable player, Brooks could be a target with the 59th or 86th selection.
