The New York Giants will be attacking the NFL Draft from several angles later this month as they look to improve upon their 6-11 record this past season. General manager Joe Schoen might look to fill positional needs such as a wideout, a defensive back, or potentially a replacement under center for Daniel Jones. However, Big Blue also needs an additional ball carrier after losing running back Saquon Barkley to Philly in free agency.
While Devin Singletary is viewed highly by many NFL prognosticators, the 5-7 tailback had never recorded over 200 carries until last season. The Giants will be interested in someone who can split his workload, and this RB out of Texas could help form an exceptional backfield in NY.
I know he's coming off the late-season ACL, but Texas RB Jonathan Brooks is a really, really fun watch.
— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) April 4, 2024
If he falls around pick No. 70, he's a player I would be 100% in on the #Giants investing in.
To me, Brooks has the most upside of any RB in this class. pic.twitter.com/bZoflAh7rN
RB Jonathon Brooks would be a bold draft selection for the NY Giants
Brooks was one of the best rushers in college football last season, amassing 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground on 6.1 yards per carry. He was regarded as one of the top picks to win the Doak Walker Award and secured Second Team All-Big 12 honors in his junior year at Texas.
Replacing standout RB Bijan Robinson would be a lofty task for any player, but Brooks filled his shoes with a tremendous season of his own. He is as shifty as any halfback in this draft class and can maneuver through run gaps with his otherworldly speed. Brooks does come with one caveat, though — he is coming off of a torn ACL.
He suffered the injury in a game against TCU and missed the remainder of the season because of it. As a result, Brooks did not participate in drills during the NFL Scouting Combine and cannot showcase his skills in private workouts with teams.
While Brooks told reporters he would be ready to lace up the cleats as early as July, his injury history makes him a risky selection for Schoen. Considering Brooks relies primarily on his explosiveness in the backfield, there have been questions about whether he will be the same player once he returns to the field.
When Brooks is healthy, there is no question that he is terrific. At 6-0, 205 pounds, the former Longhorn is a projected Day 2 draft choice and might be on the board when NY makes the No. 70 overall pick. Brooks could complement Singletary very nicely if he continues to bulk up his frame and maintains his athleticism after completing his recovery.
The potential is certainly there, and the end result could be something special for Big Blue. Are the Giants willing to take their chances and hope his upside leads him to become a great RB in the future? That is the question the front office must answer before the draft.