Devy Digest: Jonathon Brooks

The Devy Digest, highlighting Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks.

• Jonathon Brooks
• Position: Running Back
• Texas Longhorns
  
• 6’0” 216 lbs
  
• Age: 20
  
• Draft Eligible: 2024
  
• Devy Digest RB 2024 Draft Rank: 1

Who is Jonathon Brooks?

Jonathon Brooks was a 4⭐️ in the composites and attended Hallettsville High in Texas. He was part of the 2021 recruiting class. Brooks had a fantastic Senior year in High School, rushing for 3,530 yards and 62 touchdowns – eventually having his jersey retired by teh school.

As a true Freshman for the Texas Longhorns, Brooks saw action in three games to preserve his redshirt. What should have caught people’s eye then, was in a close game against Kansas, the coaching staff was not afraid to use him. That should have shown how the coaching staff viewed Brooks.

In his second season, Brooks saw action in four games playing behind Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson and Jaydon Blue. This past season, Brooks started the season behind true Freshman CJ Baxter. However, as the season went on, Brooks was simply too good and effective. He would eventually supplant Baxter as the starter and Brooks would have his time to shine.

The Longhorns coaching staff showed trust in Brooks against Alabama. He was be the focal point on the ground. That game would turn the tide for Brooks becoming one of the dynamic playmakers on the Longhorns. Brooks would have eight consecutive games of 98+ rushing yards and would be efficient in every game. Later in the season against TCU, Brooks would tear his ACL in the third quarter of a blowout game after asking to return to the contest. He would miss the rest of the season. However, in the nine games he played, Brooks did more than what most college football running backs do in three years. Brooks showed everything you want to see in an every down running back in the NFL. Even with him recovering from a torn ACL, Brooks is my RB1 of the 2024 class.

Strengths

Jonathon Brooks showed patience waiting his turn to take over as the RB1 of the Texas Longhorns. Nowadays, prospects will normally transfer out. Brooks waited his turn, learned the culture at Texas and the long history of being a running back factory at Austin and it paid off.

Brooks has a great burst while showing patience as a runner on the field. He allows his blocks to form to get through the hole and get to the second level. Brooks is a twitchy athlete who will get small when he attacks the first level. He’s able to shield himself before spurting through and using his vision to get to the next level and finding space. The running back also shows good lateral agility and change of direction.

Brooks has a knack of finding gaps in the second level and turning a 4-yard run into a big gain. He has a quick, explosive burst you like to see in a running back that is over 210 pounds. Brooks has good shiftiness as a runner. He also has the size to potentially take on 15-20 touches per game. Brooks is a high IQ Football player who uses multiple ways to win. He also is a capable pass catcher out of the backfield.

Brooks showcased his hands in the receiving game and showed himself to be a plus weapon as a pass catcher. He doesn’t fight the football as a receiver, showing soft hands and the ability to catch outside of his frame. Once he’s secured the ball, he quickly moves vertically with little wasted movement.

Areas for Improvements & Concerns

A torn ACL today isn’t what it was five years ago. Jonathon Brooks’ medicals appear fine and reports indicate he should be cleared this summer. It’s likely Brooks partakes in camp and is slowly integrated into his team’s offense. While expectations should be tempered, it is good news. Expect Brooks to be a PUP candidate to start training camp. Fans should also expect Brooks to miss the first portion of the season and be brought along slowly in the second half of the season. It’s a forgotten sentiment, but it still takes two years removed from an ACL for an athlete to fully return to form. While there are first-year success stories from ACL’s, most athletes feel comfortable with their progression and health in that second season.

As a runner on the field, Brooks could use more physicality to his game. While not a finesse runner, Brooks doesn’t have the power to drag defenders and work the power game. It’s something to note, it just isn’t Brooks game at this point.

The Longhorns running back is a good pass blocker, but taking on a free linebacker at the next level might be a concern. He isn’t a liability in that aspect, but needs coaching to help his technique.

Brooks also isn’t a breakaway runner. He possesses a quick burst and good lateral agility, but Brooks will use that quick burst to get to the second level and glide home. As someone who is over 215 pounds when he weighed in, that isn’t something that should be expected.

Beyond the Numbers

Brooks has 4.13 yards after contact for his career and forced 63 missed tackles this past season. He rushed for 1,135 yards this past season and 732 yards of that came after contact.

Brooks has a breakaway rush percentage of 44.5 during his time in Austin. This past season he had 51 runs that resulted in first downs with 24 rushes that went for 10 or more yards. Brooks has been targeted 32 times for 28 receptions and only two drops.

Devy & C2C Value

Jonathon Brooks should be in consideration in round two of dynasty rookie drafts. If he does get Day 2 capital in the 2024 NFL Draft, he should be the first running back taken. Brooks is someone that holds a three-down skill set. He is not team dependent for a landing spot to be successful.

In C2C leagues, if managers are set at running back, it’s worth fielding offers to see what’s possible to yield. Personally, Brooks should be a ‘hold’ due to the value he brings as a potential three-down back. His pass catching and rookie contract should be valuable to fantasy football players and NFL teams.

Expectations should be tempered in year one, but Brooks should gain momentum in the second half of the season where he can gain snaps. He can use that momentum as he rolls into his second year where he will be two years removed from the ACL and will have no restrictions.

NFL Outlook

Before Jonathon Brooks tore his ACL, there were rumblings that he was the clear RB1 of the 2024 NFL draft class and strong indication of a Round 2 selection. Due to the injury, it’s likely that he won’t be taken early in the second round. However, there’s still a chance he gets taken on Day 2 and a possibility that he goes at the end of Round 2.

Brooks is the most complete Running Back in this class. With reports that he should be cleared in the summer, it should give teams relief that he won’t have to be redshirted for the entire season and can make an impact on Sunday’s in the fall.