Jonathon Brooks vs. Tony Pollard – Who Should I Draft In 2024 Fantasy Football?

Should fantasy players draft Jonathon Brooks or Tony Pollard during their 2024 fantasy football drafts? Mike Fanelli examines the case for both running backs.

The NFL and fantasy football worlds are starting to see a change at the running back position. Veteran superstars like Christian McCaffrey, Joe Mixon, and Alvin Kamara are still outstanding players, but their time as the top running backs is coming to an end.

Meanwhile, several young star running backs are ready to take their place. Bijan Robinson, Breece Hall, and Jahmyr Gibbs are at the top of the list. However, there are other younger running backs with significant upside in 2024 and beyond.

Jonathon Brooks is one of those running backs, and Tony Pollard still has tread on the tires. While one is a rookie and the other a veteran, both players could have meaningful upside this upcoming season. Let’s dive into which one fantasy players should draft in 2024.

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Jonathon Brooks 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Unfortunately, Brooks suffered a torn ACL last year at Texas. Despite missing the end of the season and the playoffs, the former Longhorn declared for the NFL Draft. He was the only running back to get drafted before the third round despite the injury. Brooks was outstanding in his lone year as the starter, totaling 187 rushing attempts for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 games.

While the rookie should turn into a star in the NFL, fantasy players might have to wait. Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales wouldn’t say if Brooks would be ready for the start of training camp next month. While he should be ready for Week 1, the Panthers will likely limit his workload early in the season.

Canales wouldn’t say if rookie running back Jonathon Brooks would be ready for the start of training camp. Said he’d likely be eased into it when he’s good. Brooks is coming off an acl injury. pic.twitter.com/ifUbNMTM0n

— Mike Lacett (@mikelacett) June 12, 2024

Tony Pollard 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Many had high hopes for Pollard last year. The Dallas Cowboys moved on from Ezekiel Elliott, making the former Memphis star their featured running back. Unfortunately, Pollard was a fantasy bust. Despite having 59 more rushing attempts than the season before, the veteran had two fewer rushing yards and three few touchdowns. His yards per rushing attempt dropped by 23.1% from 2022 to 2023.

Pollard signed with the Tennessee Titans this offseason, replacing Derrick Henry in the backfield. The veteran will join Tyjae Spears to form an explosive one-two punch at running back. Head coach Brian Callahan views the two running backs as co-starters and has high expectations for both players.

#Titans HC Brian Callahan continues to be high on both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears

Callahan talking up Spears’ route-running ability then later pointing out “all the different ways you can get them the ball in the screen game, in the passing game” is another sign of how… pic.twitter.com/89fHpuXNqx

— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) May 21, 2024

Who Should I Draft?

Fantasy players have a choice to make when picking between Brooks and Pollard. The younger running back has more upside. He should be the featured guy in Carolina once he is 100% healthy. However, that might not happen until Thanksgiving or later.

Meanwhile, Pollard lacks the same upside because he will split the workload with Spears. Yet, the veteran should have more consistent and even fantasy value throughout the 2024 season.

While there isn’t a right or wrong answer, I’m always shooting for the upside. Therefore, I will draft Brooks over Pollard this year.

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