Could the Bucs look to add a very talented back in this year’s draft?

With the NFL Draft just a few days away, we are continuing our coverage of draft prospects and this time turning our attention to the offensive side of the football and taking a look at a talented running back with some injury issues in Texas’ Jonathan Brooks.

The Bucs could definitely look to add a compliment to Rachaad White, so let’s see how Brooks fits in Tampa Bay.

Jonathan Brooks’ Collegiate Career

Brooks really came on this season replacing Bijan Robinson for the Longhorns, having 1,139 rushing yards in 2023 after having a combined 340 rushing yards the previous two seasons. When he was given the opportunity, he made the most of it and now finds himself as one of the draft’s top running backs.

Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

However, Brooks suffered a torn ACL during a game against TCU on November 11th, 2023. This injury really makes things complicated when determining how much he will contribute in 2024 for any team that drafts him.

Pro Day and Scouting Combine

Due to his injury, Brooks did not participate in any combine drills while he works to recover ahead of the season. He also did not participate in the Texas pro day. The talent is still very clear though when watching the tape, so the lack of metrics in this process shouldn’t be too much of an issue as long as his injury is progressing well.

What Brooks Can Do For The Bucs In 2024

Simply put, it is pretty unclear just how much Brooks will be able to play for the Bucs or any team that he ends up with. Coming back from a major injury like that, especially as a running back would be a tough situation. That being said, Tampa Bay’s situation could be a good spot for Brooks with Rachaad White being the man in the Bucs’ backfield.

Drafting Brooks and essentially red shirting him for the 2024 season while having Rachaad White handle the workload with Brooks still recovering could be a good situation for the Bucs, even though drafting a guy with the intention to not play him much at all may not be ideal for Tampa Bay.

Three-Year-Outlook

This is where drafting Brooks could potentially pay off big time for the Bucs. Good things come to those who are patient and the Tampa Bay’s patience could end up rewarding with a really good running back. Rachaad White only has two years left on his contract and there is no guarantee that he is brought back.

If the Bucs decide to move on, they could have a talented back in Brooks just waiting for the starting opportunity, a lot like he did at Texas. Of course, it all depends on if his injury doesn’t affect his development.

Stock Report

Each team will likely have their own level of comfortability with selecting Brooks, but he appears primed to be a day two pick and could very well be a mid/late second round pick when it is all said and done. At the end of the day, the talent will be too great to pass on and some team will take the risk. Will that team be the Bucs?

On the Clock…

So what do you think of Jonathan Brooks? Are you comfortable with taking the chance on him? Vote in the poll below and leave your thoughts in the comment section below!