Longhorns RB Jonathon Brooks Potential Option For Dallas Cowboys
Even though Texas Longhorns running back Jonathan Brooks is still recovering from an ACL tear sustained during the previous season, teams are still very interested in him.
The Dallas Cowboys have arranged a visit with Brooks for the top-30 draft, according to Nick Harris of Cowboys.com. According to Harrison, in the event that Dallas selects Brooks, he is “expected” to be prepared for training camp.
In addition to their shared state, Brooks and the Cowboys have already become acquainted. Dallas seems to be really interested in the talented running back because of this.
According to Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Brooks’ procedure was carried out by the Cowboys team physician.
Hill tweeted, “The Cowboys team doctor performed Brooks surgery.” “They are fully informed about his rehabilitation and recovery.”
What position does Jonathan Brooks end up in the NFL Draft of 2024?
It could be only down the road from the Forty Acres, according to one report.
The Texas Longhorns tailback is a target for the Dallas Cowboys, according to NFL reporter Brett Kollmann. In April’s draft, Brooks is predicted to be selected in the middle round, and Dallas is anticipated to target at least one runner in an attempt to replace Tony Pollard.
Dallas thought Pollard would have his greatest days as Mike McCarthy’s star runner after trading for Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard did score six touchdowns and end the season with over 1,000 yards for the second straight year, but he also averaged a career-low 4.0 yards per attempt.
Brooks, who became the bell-cow runner for the Longhorns in place of Doak Walker Award winner Bijan Robinson, looked poised to be the consensus RB1 behind a stout offensive line in Austin. The Hallettsville native posted four consecutive 100-yard outings from Week 3-7 before two 99-yard bids ended the streak.
Brooks was one pace to win Big 12 Running Back of the Year before a torn ACL in Week 10’s win over TCU sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Brooks finished with just over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per contest.
There’s a reason to link Brooks to Dallas. The Cowboys medical staff performed Brooks’ surgery in Arlington following the TCU game in November, per Kollmann. Dallas also met with Brooks during the Shrine Bowl events in Frisco earlier this offseason.
“They know him very well,” said Kollmann of Dallas’ ties to Brooks. “They’re also looking for a running back.”
When healthy, Brooks has a case for being this year’s top rusher. He boasts the size and vision to be a high-volume contributor at the next level. Outside of the ACL injury, Brooks has also remained healthy throughout his adolescent years.
The NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis should give a better indication of where Brooks is through his recovery. Should he be closer to returning to summer camp, his stock could reach as high as top-50. If he’ll need to begin the year on the NFI list, Brooks could hear his name called closer to Day 3.
The Cowboys own two mid-round picks at No. 58 and No. 87, respectively. Other rushers in the mix for RB1 include Florida State’s Trey Benson, Oregon’s Bucky Irving, Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen, and Tennessee’s Jaylen Wright.
