Jonathon Brooks is off the board, becoming the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft on Friday night!

A game-changing RB for Texas, Brooks was building a case to be a first-round prospect during the 2023 season. Unfortunately, an ACL injury in November cut his season short, but it did not fully diminish his stock for the draft.

Ultimately, the Carolina Panthers made the move to grab Brooks with the 46th overall pick (14th of the 2nd round). That gives Carolina a pair of young offensive pieces, including 1st-round pick Xavier Legette out of South Carolina, to pair with Bryce Young. Young was the No. 1 overall pick for the franchise a season ago.

After playing a reserve role behind 1st-round pick Bijan Robinson, Brooks had his shot as the lead back in 2023. He rushed for over 1,100 yards with 10 touchdowns before his injury and finished his career with 6.2 yards per carry.

Provided he makes his way back to a full recovery from his ACL injury, Brooks has the explosiveness and running ability to play a key role in the NFL. And, after waiting into the 2nd round, he becomes the top RB selected from a group that includes Michigan’s Blake Corum, FSU’s Trey Benson, USC’s MarShawn Lloyd and others.