Report: Longhorns RB Jonathon Brooks Potential Option For Dallas Cowboys
Where does Jonathon Brooks land in the 2024 NFL Draft?
According to one report, it might be down the road from the Forty Acres.
Per NFL reporter Brett Kollmann, the Dallas Cowboys are heavily interested in the Texas Longhorns tailback. Brooks is expected to be a mid-round pick in April's draft and Dallas is expected to target at least one runner to replace Tony Pollard.
After releasing Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas believed the best days were ahead for Pollard as the feature runner in Mike McCarthy's offense. Pollard, who finished with over 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season, did score six touchdowns, but he also averaged a career-worst 4.0 yards per attempt.
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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.
Brooks' limited usage in college might end up being a blessing in disguise. The intrigue and upside are there, and the production could be why Dallas pivots early to the Longhorn for most substantial reps.
The performance of others could benefit Brooks, who will not partake in drills at the combine. A bad rep for Iriving could lead to a leg up for Brooks. But a strong outing also could push the Longhorns' star down the pecking order.
Everything now belongs in the hands of Dallas.
