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Tahj Brooks is a fantasy football sleeper and value in 2025 fantasy football rookie drafts. Read the fantasy football outlook for the new Bengals running back.
DRAFT PICK: 6th Round (#193 Overall Pick)
TEAM: Cincinnati Bengals
ROOKIE DRAFT ANALYSIS: Tahj Brooks, selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, is a prime late-round sleeper for dynasty rookie drafts due to his prolific college production and favorable landing spot. At Texas Tech, Brooks cemented his status as the program’s all-time leading rusher, amassing over 1,500 rushing yards in both 2023 and 2024, with a staggering 95+ rushing yards in 22 consecutive games to close his collegiate career.
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Texas Tech RB Tahj Brooks has SPECIAL vision.
His patience reminds me of LJ Scott from Michigan State all those years ago… that’s a deep bag pull btw. pic.twitter.com/ybOmoeLuq4
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) November 7, 2024
In Cincinnati, Brooks sits behind Chase Brown but potentially ahead of Samaje Perine, offering immediate handcuff value with a clear path to a 1B role in a high-powered offense if injuries or underperformance strike. His ADP as a fourth-round rookie pick makes him a low-risk, high-reward stash for dynasty managers, ideal for taxi squads. The Bengals' decision to cut Zack Moss helps his cause.
Beyond his rushing prowess, Brooks’ well-rounded skill set enhances his dynasty appeal, particularly in PPR formats. He recorded 20+ receptions in each of his final three college seasons, with 26 catches in 2022, demonstrating reliable hands out of the backfield. His pass-protection ability, evidenced by the third-most pass-blocking snaps per game among 2024 RBs (per Sports Info Solutions), ensures he can stay on the field in critical situations, a rarity for Day 3 backs.
While his 2023 metrics dipped slightly (60th in yards after contact per attempt, 37th in elusive rating) due to Texas Tech’s poor run-blocking, his 30% dominator rating in 2024 underscores his workhorse potential. In Cincinnati, where the Bengals' offense ranked top-10 in yards per game in 2024, Brooks could carve out a complementary role to Brown’s speed, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations, given his 28 total touchdowns over two seasons.
For dynasty managers willing to play the long game, Brooks’ combination of production, versatility, and opportunity makes him a steal in the late rounds, with RB2 upside if he climbs the depth chart by 2026. That said, it wouldn't be shocking if he's the clear RB2 in Week 1 of his rookie campaign.
- Brandon Murchison
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