2024 Dynasty Rookie Profile: Jonathon Brooks, RB

Today, we’re breaking down the talented Texas Longhorns running back, Jonathon Brook. Brooks is projected to be one of the top running backs in this class, according to our latest dynasty rookie ADP. All in all, he is one of the more exciting players to watch this draft season. Today, we’ll be breaking down his potential fit in the NFL as well as his strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, we’ll be breaking down his potential fit on your dynasty football rosters.

Jonathon Brooks (RB) Texas – Dynasty Rookie Profile

Height: 6’0

Weight: 207 lbs

The 2024 rookie running back class doesn’t have quite the excitement it once did at the beginning of the year. With names such as Donovan Edwards, TreVeyon Henderson, and Damien Martinez deciding to remain in school, dynasty managers have been left scrambling to determine who should be considered at the top of the class.

While Blake Corum isn’t viewed highly by the dynasty community, much can change once a player has their landing spot. Another name who should find himself at the top of manager’s rankings is Texas running back Jonathon Brooks, despite an ACL injury that ended his 2023 season for the Longhorns.

Brooks is a 20-year-old rushing prospect who won’t turn 21 until July of this year and showed plenty of the versatility that dynasty managers search out at the running back position. Notably, he ran for 1,139 yards on a 6.1 average in 11 games for the Longhorns, while also supplying 25 catches and 11 touchdowns in those games. Eventually, he took over for the departing Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, showing himself as a viable NFL prospect. Let’s take a look at what he does well and what he has yet to work on at the next level.

Join us today as we break down the outlook for Brooks in the NFL. More importantly, for your dynasty fantasy football rosters.

Strengths

Rushing and Receiving Abilities

Besides Brooks’ youthful outlook, his greatest asset to dynasty managers will be his ability to run between the tackles and catch the football. On his 25 catches in 2023, he was able to supply 286 yards and look good in the receiving game. Notably, showing burst and evading defenders when finding rushing lanes. Additionally, his ability to rush with power and finesse should allow him to get plenty of touches at the next level. In the end, he will be one of the few 2024 running backs with the versatility to be a possible top fantasy option.

Vision

Brooks is a strong rusher due to his exceptional vision in the rushing lanes. He’s able to operate through the first line of defense and by the time he’s being touched by opponents, he’s already reached the defense’s second and third level. With this agility and savvy rushing, he should be able to squeak out multiple yards at the next level. Furthermore, with his receiving upside, multiple teams should be able to scheme him to get open downfield as well.

Weaknesses

Recovering From Injuries

Less a weakness and more a concern, Brooks’ fatal flaw in the pre-draft process will be his lack of workouts for NFL teams. He was expected back in August for the Longhorns, therefore he still has a good chance to be ready for the NFL’s start next September. However, dynasty managers want instant production or the closest they can find to that, meaning the future owners of Brooks will have to practice patience for him to flourish.

Top-End Speed

Another concern with Brooks is a potential lack of top-end speed to break away from NFL defenses. He reaches the second and third levels of the defense with his ability in space and agility, but he may never be a player with 70-yard or 60-yard-long touchdowns. However, if he can find himself in an offense that throws him the ball and takes over a lead rushing role, he should still be plenty viable for fantasy.

NFL Fit and Draft Capitol

While there aren’t many supposed high-end rushing talents in this class, teams such as the Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, and even Dallas Cowboys will still have roles to fill when it comes to the running back position. Brooks is a player who may be better served to join a player like Tony Pollard or James Conner and take more rushing duties on later in 2024. Despite the injury, we may expect to see Brooks get Day 2 draft capital, anywhere from early in the second to the third round. With his youth and skills, it seems unlikely he will have to wait until Day 3 to hear his name called.

Dynasty Outlook

As with any prospect, it all comes down to the landing spot. If Brooks goes somewhere like the Cowboys, the upside is apparent with their need long-term at the position. However, if he goes somewhere like Las Vegas, his future is a little more muddled with question marks at quarterback and about what sort of offense the team will deploy. Nevertheless, Brooks is talented running back who can be an NFL team’s RB1, and become a low-end RB1 for us dynasty managers. Ultimately, the degree of fantasy success comes down to team fit and his catching output. However, those skills should translate to the NFL from a talent like Brooks.