David Chao, MD
2 min read • March 03, 2024
Posted in
University of Texas running back Jonathan Brooks presents a risky option in the upcoming NFL draft because of his continuing recovery from a torn ACL he suffered in his right knee last November, according to our panel of doctors.
It would not be surprising to see him slip below his third round projection as he will not be 100% healthy this upcoming season and is not a viable option for a team wanting year one production.
Despite his talent, Brooks has reduced value because teams will have just three healthy seasons on his rookie deal instead of four.
It is hard enough for any rookie to be productive in the first season back from an ACL tear and it is harder still to jump a level of competition at the same time.
The sophomore running back was ranked sixth in the NCAA in rushing yards when he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee while getting tackled by a TCU defender on Nov. 11.
At that time, Brooks had 1,139 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns plus 25 catches for 286 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Now nearly four months into his recovery, Brooks is reportedly healing as well as expected, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. He will not participate in combine drills but is projected that he should be cleared to participate in training camp.
Brooks, who was born in Hallettsville, Texas, had his surgery done by Dallas Cowboys head team physician Dr. Dan Cooper.
Although there’s speculation that the Cowboys have an advantage of knowing his recovery trajectory, all teams get a chance to physically examine him at the NFL Combine.
A similar scenario played out in the 2016 NFL draft with the Cowboys. Dallas selected linebacker Jaylon Smith with the 34th overall pick despite him coming off a torn ACL and LCL that also caused nerve damage in his left knee. Cooper performed the surgery in that case and his confidence in the recovery in some part led to the Cowboys spending a second-round pick on Smith, who was a projected top-10 pick prior to the injury in the 2015 Fiesta Bowl.
Smith missed the entire 2016 season, but outperformed the seriousness of his injury upon return. He had one Pro Bowl season in his five years with Dallas and played seven seasons in the NFL with his last coming in 2023.
Although the Cowboys are likely to draft a running back with Tony Pollard headed to free agency, it would be a stretch to see the Cowboys take Brooks in the second or third round.
Other running backs in the 2024 NFL draft include Trey Benson, Braelon Allen, Bucky Irving and Blake Corum.
Written by David Chao, MD
