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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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His 2023 season saw him lead the FBS with 96 forced missed tackles, averaging 3.0 yards per carry after contact, showcasing his elite contact balance and low center of gravity at 5-foot-9, 214 pounds. While his 4.52 40-yard dash and lack of breakaway speed cap his big-play potential, his 90th-percentile agility circuit and best-in-class 3-cone time at the NFL Combine highlight his elusiveness and lateral quickness.
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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