Dual-ACL injury history but elite talent; 11th-round value with league-winning upside.

Brooks is a running back two drafted in the 11th round on Yahoo (9th on Underdog) with more talent than all other running backs drafted around him; he can catch passes, has lateral shiftiness, finishes through contact, and has the size coveted at the position. Despite two ACL tears—one during his final year at Texas and another in his third game of his rookie season after not playing until week 12—he didn't play all of last year. The Panthers are taking a slow approach with him in training camp, and he hasn't reached his top speed yet. There's very little tape to evaluate since the first ACL tear, though he had some nice flashes in a Tampa Bay game when he returned. The Panthers are clearly relying on him based on their offseason moves, going from Rico Datto (RB1 in multiple weeks last year) to only adding A.J. Dillon. Brooks has the highest upside and league-winning potential among running backs drafted after him if he claims his backfield. He's climbed 21 spots during the offseason and has a chance to be the Panthers' most talented back. Hubbard is not expected to completely go away if Brooks emerges as the lead back; he's a fine enough back but won't prevent Brooks from reclaiming a lead role if Brooks returns to his early second-round profile. There's a chance Brooks and Hubbard split work early in the season, with a toss-up of who's actually the starter by Halloween and Thanksgiving.