Carolina Panthers find their next Christian McCaffrey in 2nd Round of NFL Draft with Jonathon Brooks of Texas
The Carolina Panthers have made it clear in the 2024 NFL Draft. They're looking for difference makers on offense. They selected Xavier Legette with the last pick in round one. In round two they drafted Jonathon Brooks, RB Texas in hopes of finding their next Christian McCaffrey.Jonathon Brooks won't likely be 100% healthy until well […]
The Carolina Panthers have made it clear in the 2024 NFL Draft. They're looking for difference makers on offense. They selected Xavier Legette with the last pick in round one. In round two they drafted Jonathon Brooks, RB Texas in hopes of finding their next Christian McCaffrey.
Jonathon Brooks won't likely be 100% healthy until well into his rookie season thanks to his season-ending injury last fall, but he was one of the most impressive running backs in all of college football. Brooks joins a long legacy of special Texas Longhorns running backs in the NFL as the 25th running back officially drafted from the school.
Jonathon Brooks, RB Texas
Prior to his breakout season in 2023, Jonathon Brooks had consistently flashed incredible explosion and vision coming in to relieve Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson. He averaged more than seven yards per touch through his first two collegiate seasons, proving to be perhaps the best backup running back in the entire country.
Then last season when he was asked to step in as the feature back for the Longhorns, Brooks was up to the task. He was nearly on pace for a 2000-yard season prior to tearing his ACL last November. He wasn't quite as efficient on a larger work load, but he made up for it by improving as a receiver, averaging over 11 yards per reception on his 25 catches.
Jonathon Brooks fit with the Panthers
Brooks should slide in as the immediate starter for the Panthers as soon as he is physically back to 100% health. He says that he is on schedule to be ready for training camp, but everyone always says they're on (or even ahead of) schedule.
Miles Sanders was a complete flop for the Panthers a year ago. He averaged just 3.3 yards per carry and was less efficient than backfield running mate Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard also struggled with offensive consistency and success rate all season long and has never been special in the NFL.
Brooks will provide some much-needed explosiveness and superior receiving ability for the Panthers. He may not truly be the "next Christian McCaffrey" since there won't ever be another running back quite like him, but Brooks is immediately the closest thing the Panthers have had since he left.
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And if you want to watch some Jonathon Brooks highlights to get pumped for his NFL future with the Carolina Panthers just check out the video below!
