Editor's Note: The 2024 NFL Draft is approaching the end of April, and the draft process is in full swing as the Dallas Cowboys and other teams conduct their board meetings to identify the right players for the next level. There is. The DallasCowboys.com staff provides potential picks before the draft to give the Cowboys context on potential targets when the time comes. Next up is Texas running back Jonathan Brooks.
- name: Jonathan Brooks
- position: run back
- College: texas
- height, weight: 6-0 / 216 (confirmed at combine)
- Combine tests: Not applicable
- Did you know that? Brooks, who was named Mr. Texas Football in 2020, ran for 3,530 yards in his senior season for the Hallettsville Brahmas, ranking seventh all-time in state history. His total of 70 touchdowns that season ranks second in Texas high school football history.
His quick cutting ability between tackles and outside the line gave the 2023 Texans a weapon in the backfield that could easily gain at least five yards per handoff. However, his consistent production was interrupted in November when he suffered a torn ACL. His draft stock has dipped due to injuries, but his decision-making in run lanes, acceleration in the open field, and receiving ability are all just a microcosm of what he can bring to an NFL offense when fully healthy. do not have.
Injuries have killed off any first-round buzz that had been brewing for the second half of the season, but Brooks still has a legitimate chance to be the first running back back. Exactly when that will happen remains to be seen, but it could range from early in the second round (the Panthers take Brooks in the 30th round with picks 33rd and 39th) to the Cowboys with 58 to go. It could happen anywhere up to.
The Cowboys have done extensive research on Brooks and are still working on it. They met him at the East-West Shrine Bowl. They have been taking him for 30 visits. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was in attendance (along with other talented Longhorn offensive players) at Pro Day, even though he wasn't performing. The ACL surgery was performed by Cowboys team physician Dr. Dan Cooper. All signs point to the Texas native potentially being a good fit for Dallas. How does he fit? A running back room hungry for an elite presence could bring it to Brooks. He is expected to be ready by the time he hits the field for training camp, which will be a big boost to what the Cowboys can bring offensively in 2024. He can return to full form. He could be a tone-setter for NFL offenses.
