Jonathan Brooks Still Recovering from ACL Tear
2024 Jonathan Brooks Season Odds a Waiting Game for Some Books
The 2024 Jonathan Brooks season odds have arrived, giving us a chance to assess the possibility of him covering his NFL prop bets this season for the Carolina Panthers. Brooks’ rushing props for next season opened with an over/under (-110) of 775.5 yards. However, with the rookie second-rounder still recovering from a torn ACL, such props are now harder to find.
Brooks sustained the injury during his final collegiate season with Texas. He was expected to be ready by the start of training camp, but has yet to take any practice reps.
Thus, Brooks has used the extra time to focus on learning the playbook and improving his understanding of the Panthers’ offensive system. While the team is cautious about bringing Brooks back too soon, they are confident in his ability to make an impact once he’s fully healthy.
It’s unclear what his adjusted odds may look like. Nevertheless, let’s take a deeper look at where he may fit with Carolina.
College Career
Brooks committed to Texas in May 2020. He appeared in only five games during his 2021 freshman season, rushing for 143 yards and one touchdown. He also had 12 receiving yards.
The next season, he was third on the depth chart behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson. Brooks played seven games and rushed 30 times for 197 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught two balls for 37 yards and a score. Robinson and Johnson left for the NFL following the season, setting the stage for Brooks to be the Longhorns’ new lead back.
In 2023, it seemed as like Brooks was finally going to give Texas fans what they’d been hoping for. He started the season on pace to be an All-American, ranking top five in the FBS in rushing before hurting his ACL.
He ended the season with 11 games played (three starts), rushing 187 times for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had 22 catches for 212 yards and one score.
NFL Draft Scouting Report
Brooks’ skill set is impressive. However, there’s areas in which he must improve to become a top-tier back in the NFL. His greatest attribute is his ability to make defenders miss, as his quickness and agility were both pluses at Texas. Additionally, Brooks has shown flashes of being an effective receiving option.
While Brooks is far from perfect, his athleticism could make him a valuable part of Carolina’s backfield. It remains to be seen if he can develop into a No. 1 back or settle into more of a complementary role.
There are physical limitations that the 6-foot, 207-pounder must overcome to reach his full potential. Refining his decision-making is also a focus. Be sure to keep that in mind when assessing the 2024 Jonathan Brooks season odds.
Rookie With Talent
The original 2024 Jonathan Brooks season odds projected Brooks to have a large role as a rookie. Now, it seems like his NFL debut may be a bit delayed, muddying the expectations for this season.
Brooks is still considered by many to be one of the top running back prospects in this year’s draft. He’s already been ruled out for the preseason, so it may be a few weeks into the NFL regular season before he’s ready to go. Panthers fans hope to get a clearer picture of the injury timeline before Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Once he returns, Brooks may have a path to becoming the featured back in Carolina. Chula Hubbard, the team’s leading rusher last season with 902 yards on 238 carries (3.8 yards per carry), still has the inside track on the starting job.
This makes taking the over on his prop enticing, but with any player returning from major injury, bettors beware.
For NFL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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