Panthers trade up, take Texas RB Jonathon Brooks with pick No. 46 of 2024 NFL Draft

The Carolina Panthers made another move up in the 2024 NFL Draft’s first round on Thursday night, securing an additional skill position pick.

The Panthers traded up to select the first running back of the draft, Texas running back Jonathon Brooks, with the No. 46 overall pick on Friday in Detroit after completing a deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

On Thursday, Carolina traded up to pick South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette, as it’s surrounding quarterback Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, with young skill talent.

Brooks’ name was frequently associated with the Dallas Cowboys, who are in need of a running back, and were positioned 10 slots away from where the Panthers secured Brooks.

The Panthers rushing offense, which was 20th in yards and 30th in touchdowns last season, will look to the Longhorn for assistance.

Brooks is one of the best running back prospects in the 2024 draft class and might have threatened the first round had he not suffered a torn ACL in November in a win over TCU. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Friday night it was a clean ACL tear, though, and Brooks is on track and will be ready by July 1 ahead of training camp.

At 6-foot and 216 pounds, Brooks possesses the linear speed that can potentially challenge secondary defenses. His straightforward, hard-hitting style could suit a zone running scheme perfectly. Although he isn’t the most innovative runner in this year’s selection, his injury record is a factor that should be taken into account. However, with only 238 college carries to his name, Brooks has less wear and tear, good field vision, and could potentially become a leading back over time.

He’ll join an RB room that includes Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders, looking to move up on the depth chart, mimicking what the Panthers did to draft him.