Jonathon Brooks

Panthers HC Dave Canales said he hopes to utilize Jonathon Brooks’ versatility in the passing game this season.

More specifically, Canales said he wants to get Brooks in space, use him on perimeter screens and check-downs, and in an empty package that utilizes running backs. He also added that Brooks’ versatility is “probably the biggest thing that stood out” to him and the coaches throughout the pre-draft process. Brooks, who is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season, rushed for 187-1139-10 in his final season with the Longhorns and added another 25-286-1 through the air. While he spent much of his career playing behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, in his lone season as the starter, he did more than enough to impress and get selected as the RB1 of the 2024 draft class. Canales led a Buccaneers offense in 2023 that funneled 70 targets to Rachaad White, and should bring similar elements of that offense to the Panthers. Brooks will have top-24 upside in PPR leagues once he’s taken full control of Carolina’s backfield, which should happen sooner rather than later. At this time, Brooks is expected to be ready when training camp kicks off in late July.