Given the Cowboys’ thin roster in the running back position, it’s prudent for them to contemplate selecting Texas’ Jonathon Brooks, notwithstanding his season-ending injury in 2023.
Brooks shared with Cowboys staff writer Nick Harris that he’s slated for a visit with Dallas.
Despite the setback of tearing his ACL against TCU on Nov. 11 and subsequently missing the scouting combine, the 20-year-old is anticipated to be ready for training camp.
Notably, the surgery was conducted by team doctor Dan Cooper, suggesting Dallas likely possesses comprehensive insight into the gravity of the injury.
Nevertheless, Brooks remains one of the premier running back prospects in this year’s draft class. In the course of 11 games last season, he amassed an impressive 1,139 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 187 carries.
Additionally, he contributed 25 receptions for 286 yards and secured one touchdown catch.
The departure of former Pro Bowler Tony Pollard, who secured a lucrative three-year, $21.75 million deal with the Tennessee Titans in free agency, has left a void in the Dallas backfield.
While free agent Rico Dowdle has been retained on a one-year, $1.255 million contract, his capacity to serve as a dependable starting RB remains unverified.
In the 2023 season, Dowdle managed 361 rushing yards on 89 carries across 16 games.
Furthermore, backup Deuce Vaughn, selected as the 212th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, only logged 23 carries for 40 yards in seven games.
Given the circumstances, it’s imperative for Dallas to augment their running back corps through the draft, and Brooks presents a viable option despite the associated risks.
Tankathon’s projections indicate that the Cowboys are likely to opt for him with the 56th overall pick.
