Editor’s Note: The 2024 NFL Draft is fast approaching in late April, and the draft process is in full swing as the Dallas Cowboys and other teams work to find a suitable spot at the next level.
The DallasCowboys.com staff offers potential picks ahead of the draft to provide context for potential Cowboys targets as they run down the clock.
Next up is Texas running back Jonathon Brooks.Name: Jonathon BrooksPosition: Running Back Testing: N/ADid you know? Named the 2020 Mr.
Texas Football, Brooks rushed for 3,530 yards in his senior season with the Hallettsville Brahmas, which is seventh all-time in state history.
His 70 touchdowns in a season is second all-time in Texas high school football history Strengths and Weaknesses
The ability to quickly cut between tackles and cut outside the line gave Texas a backfield weapon in 2023 that was simple choose at least five yards up each shift.
But that consistent production was cut short when he suffered an ACL injury in November. While the injury damaged his tackle arsenal, his lane decision-making, free-field acceleration and receiving ability are just a microcosm of what he can bring to an NFL offense when fully healthy.
Where to expect him\ nAlthough the injury wiped out the season with the buzz generated in the second half all in the first round, Brooks still has a legitimate chance to be the first returner.
Exactly when that will happen is still up in the air, as it could be anywhere from early in the second round (the Panthers host Brooks with 30 visits and picks 33 and 39) to closer to 58 when the Cowboys are on the clock.
How he will help the CowboysThe Cowboys have done and continue to do extensive homework on Brooks. They met him at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
They bring him for 30 visits. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was in attendance at Pro Day (along with some other talented Longhorn offensive linemen), though he did not perform.
The ACL surgery was performed by Cowboys team physician Dr. Dan Cooper. All signs point to the Texas native being a good fit in Dallas. How does he fit in? In a backroom hungry for an elite presence, it could be in Brooks.
He’s expected to be ready to go when he hits the field in training camp and would be a huge boost to what the Cowboys can bring to the table on offense in 2024.
He’s just not starter caliber runner if he can return to full form. He is a potential tone setter for NFL offenses..