It appears that Texas Longhorns running back Jonathan Brooks will be selected by the Dallas Cowboys on Friday in the second round of the NFL Draft.
Several teams expect the Cowboys will take Brooks, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, who wrote on Monday that “some think it would be a surprise if he made it past Dallas’ turn at No. 56.”
The Cowboys’ backfield is now empty as former Pro Bowl running back Tony Pollard inked a three-year, $21.75 million contract with the Tennessee Titans during the free agency period.
Deuce Vaughn and Rico Dowdle, two Dallas running backs, combined for 401 rushing yards last season. Royce Freeman, a running back, recently signed a one-year, $1.29 million contract with the Cowboys. Despite six seasons, he has never topped 600 rushing yards.
Even though Brooks tore his ACL in November, it seems like a good choice to take him. According to Schefter, he should be prepared for training camp and might be a steal for the team who selects him in the draft.
2023 saw Brooks gallop for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns on 187 carries in 11 games. In addition, he caught 25 receptions for 286 yards and one touchdown. According to Trevor Sikkema, draft analyst for Pro Football Focus, the 20-year-old is the finest running back in 2017 draft class.
“Brooks is an ideal blend of size [6-foot, 207 pounds], speed, strength and agility,” said Sikkema. “Despite having a limited amount of snaps, he has excellent vision for zone and gap runs. He has all the makings of an NFL starting running back if he can recover from his torn ACL.”
With 113.5% of rushing yards last season, the Cowboys ground assault finished 15th in the league and needs a boost. Maybe Brooks will develop into the playmaker Dallas is looking for.
