There were only three running backs in this year’s NFL Draft class that had over 3,000+ rushing yards in the last two seasons: Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, and Tahj Brooks.
Jeanty and Hampton both went in the first round on Thursday, while Brooks went in the sixth round on Saturday.
The Bengals selected Brooks in the sixth round with the 193rd overall pick, and this could be a steal for the Bengals. Chase Brown may just have a running mate.
I watched Brooks play at Texas Tech last year against the Cincinnati Bearcats, and Brooks absolutely shredded them.
Brooks had over 1,500 rushing yards in each of the last two seasons at Texas Tech, and he also had 27 rushing touchdowns. Not only that, he started 24 games and was a team captain last year.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has this to say about Brooks: “His agility, contact balance and feel as a runner directly leads to rushing production. Even with worn treads, the dependability factor plays to his favor, because of his durability and reliability on third downs.”
With Zack Moss coming off a serious neck injury that sidelined him for the second half of 2024, Brooks may have the opportunity to carve a significant role in the Bengals running game and offense.
The Bengals may have gotten a steal with Brooks. He is a very intriguing draft selection.
Grade for the Bengals drafting Tahj Brooks: B+
How would you grade the pick? Sound off below!
AWESOME pick for the #Bengals in Tahj Brooks, a productive and 3-down RB.
Brooks showcased his burst, contact balance and pass catching/blocking at TTU and during @ShrineBowl week.
Only three players have 3000+ rushing yards over the last two years in this class:
✅Ashton… pic.twitter.com/6oSX5WGt6D
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) April 26, 2025
Tahj Brooks ran for 172 yards against UC this past season, and it honestly felt like he ran for more than that. Heavy workload in college but that night in Lubbock, he sure looked like a guy who can help an NFL team.
— Mo Egger (@MoEgger) April 26, 2025