Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers, Round 2, Pick 46
Jonathon Brooks was drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the fourteenth pick of Round 2, according to Adam Schefter.
Fantasy Football Impact for Jonathon Brooks Carolina Panthers
Jonathon Brooks is the first running back to come off the board in the 2024 NFL draft to the Carolina Panthers in round two. This year, Carolina is overhauling its offense to get more weapons for second-year starter Bryce Young and new Head Coach Dave Canales, formerly the Offensive Coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the Steelers and traded up to draft wide receiver Xavier Legette in the first round. The Panthers added free agent guards Damien Lewis (Seattle) and Robert Hunt (Miami) this offseason. Brooks is another fantastic addition to this Carolina Panthers' re-tooled offense.
Despite being a one-year starter at Texas, Jonathon Brooks has shown great potential. He played sparingly in his first two years, but in his third season, he started ten games, rushing for over 1,000 yards and 11 total touchdowns before tearing his ACL in November. While it may take some time for him to recover fully, he is expected to become the Panthers' primary running back once he does. Our Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide describes Brooks as "a patient and instinctive runner who allows holes to open, has excellent lower body strength and contact balance, and has a pass-catching ability that will lead to 3rd down opportunities." Despite the potential slow start, Brooks has the skill and opportunity to lead the Panthers' rushing attack and secure top-12 (RB1) fantasy finishes over the medium term.
The Fantasy Football Fallout
Brooks in Carolina is terrible news for the fantasy outlook of fellow running backs Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders. Last season, Hubbard rushed for just over 900 yards and six total touchdowns, while Sanders rushed for over 400 yards and one total touchdown. Once Brooks fully recovers from his injury, Hubbard and Sanders' opportunities should significantly decrease, relegating them to primarily fantasy handcuff roles. Also, an improved rushing attack behind a much improved offensive line should take some pressure off Bryce Young and help his fantasy outlook over the long run.
Stock Watch
Risers
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Fallers
Overview
Jonathon Brooks is the first running back off the board in 2024 and should get plenty of opportunity to be the lead back in Carolina, which may translate to top-12 (RB1) upside. Brooks tore his ACL in November 2023, so fantasy managers will need to be patient as Brooks gets back to full strength to realize his full potential.
For more information on the 2024 NFL Draft, check out the Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide, where you can read about Jonathon Brooks and other rookie team fits.
