Jonathon Brooks
Carolina Panthers
Season Preview
Jonathon Brooks is set to make a significant impact in the 2024 fantasy football season. Despite his limited collegiate production and a recent ACL injury, Brooks has been touted as one of the top running backs in the 2024 draft class. The Carolina Panthers traded up to secure him, and he is expected to emerge as the team's starting running back once he is fully recovered. Brooks' versatility and natural talent as a pass catcher make him an exciting prospect for fantasy owners.
Brooks' performance metrics from his college days are promising. He forced 0.34 missed tackles per attempt and averaged 6.1 yards per carry, which ranked him among the top FBS running backs. His ability to evade defenders and his impressive yards per route run suggest he could be a valuable asset in both rushing and receiving roles. While he may not immediately reach three-down status due to the presence of Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders, Brooks is likely to lead the Carolina backfield in touches as the season progresses.
The current fantasy football landscape positions Brooks as a solid value pick. His ADP of 103.6 places him as the RB31, which is slightly behind fellow rookie Trey Benson. This ranking reflects the uncertainty surrounding his recovery and the Panthers' offense, but it also presents an opportunity for savvy fantasy owners to snag a high-potential player at a relatively low cost. If Brooks can reach double-digit touches per game early in the season, he could quickly become a reliable starter in fantasy lineups.
As the Panthers continue their rebuild around quarterback Bryce Young, Brooks is expected to be a key piece in their offensive puzzle. His recovery from the ACL injury is crucial, and while he has not yet been cleared to participate in training camp, he is expected to be ready for the season opener. Fantasy owners should keep a close eye on Brooks' progress and be prepared to capitalize on his potential as he ramps up to full speed. With his talent and the Panthers' commitment to him, Brooks could become a breakout star in the 2024 fantasy football season.