Panthers make Brooks 1st RB selected in 2024 draft

The Carolina Panthers traded up to select Texas running back Jonathon Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 46 overall.

Brooks was the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Panthers sent picks No. 52, 142, and 155 to the Colts to move up to get Brooks.

Brooks enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023, rushing for 1,139 yards. However, his year was cut short by a torn ACL.

He joins a Carolina backfield that features Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard.

Pre-draft profile

Brooks is as smooth as it gets. The Texas standout makes the jump to the next level having demonstrated high-level processing skills, creativity, and elusiveness to set up blocks and make defenders miss. But that's only one area of his game. Brooks is also a capable receiver out of the backfield, and he's the rare running back prospect who's more than capable of holding his own in pass protection. The only true blemish in his profile is his ongoing recovery from a torn ACL he suffered in November. That could delay the start of his rookie season, but he should be worth the wait. Brooks has top-10 running back potential when he's healthy.