May 30, 2026, 5:07 PM ET

Jonathon Brooks has emerged as a viable back to target at his current ADP, as he appears primed to make a long-awaited impact in Carolina's backfield rotation. Brooks became the first running back to be selected during the 2024 NFL Draft when the Panthers secured him in Round 2 (46th overall). Brooks' most prolific numbers at the collegiate level were assembled during his final season at Texas (2023), when he accumulated 1,139 rushing yards (103.5 per game), generated 10 rushing touchdowns, and captured 25 of his 30 targets. His contributions to Carolina's offense have been minimal (23 offensive snaps/12 touches/45 total yards) as a result of two ACL tears that he has sustained since November 2023. It remains unclear whether Brooks can fully recapture the degree of agility, elusiveness, and acceleration that he displayed before his injuries. However, Brooks is still just 22 years old despite the protracted delay in his involvement, and his performance during OTAs has been encouraging. Brooks should ultimately operate as Carolina's RB2 behind Chuba Hubbard, who will turn 27 on June 11. Hubbard averaged 8.9 attempts per game last season while failing to generate a run that exceeded 14 yards, and finishing just 44th in rush yards over expected (-39) per Next Gen Stats. Brooks could secure a respectable role while functioning in a rotation with Hubbard. Brooks' projected placement on the Panthers' depth chart also positions him to emerge as a viable handcuff, as he should seize a significant workload if Hubbard is forced to the sideline. That makes Brooks an enticing option at his Round 9 ADPs in dynasty startups (98/RB32) and best ball leagues (107/RB37).--Phil Clark