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The running back class in the 2024 NFL Draft doesn’t have the big names of years past and it’s unlikely that any RB gets selected in the first round, but there are still plenty of talented backs who will quickly step into starting roles.
Recent reports suggest that one running back who could be the first off the board is starting to generate some buzz and separate himself from the pack.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, Texas RB Jonathon Brooks is separating from the pack and is being praised for his size, wiggle, and pass-catching ability and is one of the few backs in this draft who projects as a legitimate 3-down back at the next level.
Lots of love circling in draft rooms for Texas RB Jonathon Brooks right now. Size and wiggle + pass-catching ability = 3-down back. Smooth operator who played his best games against best opponents. Going to be a terrific pro. pic.twitter.com/tbp3xYB7Pg
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 23, 2024
Brooks broke out last season for 1,139 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns while also emerging as a receiver for the first time with 25 catches for 286 yards and another touchdown.
There aren’t a lot of 3-down backs in the NFL these days, and Brooks is an intriguing versatile back with the profile to be an every-down guy and has the benefit of not having a ton of mileage on him.
In his first two years in Austin, he only had 54 touches as he was playing behind Bijan Robinson, last year’s No. 8 overall pick.
Brooks measured in at 6’0″ and 216 pounds and we don’t have much of an idea about his athletic numbers, as he did not perform at the NFL Combine or Pro Day.
It’s unlikely we’ll see Brooks taken on Thursday night, but sometime Friday night on Day 2, keep an eye out for Brooks being the first RB off the board.
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