Before the 2024 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers were hoping to secure Texas running back Jonathan Brooks, and they had strong feelings for him. It took some shifting about the board on the part of the Panthers, but they managed to complete the mission.
The Panthers Blueprint team discussed the talks that took place throughout the process of trading up to No. 46, the pick that was used to select Brooks, between General Manager Dan Morgan, Team Owner David Tepper, Head Coach Dave Canales, and VP of Football Operations Brandt Tilis in the second episode of the show.
Tepper and Canales were advised by Morgan, “I think we should go get him and do our two fives.” Brooks visited the Giants on March 30. I believe we ought to proceed.
Morgan was clearly fixated on drafting Brooks and even expressed concern to Tepper about potentially missing out on selecting him at the No. 52 pick. He emphasized that they had strong conviction about Brooks, fearing that another team might trade up to grab him, as many regarded him as the top running back in the draft. Despite Brooks suffering a season-ending ACL injury in his final college season, he still became the first RB chosen in the draft after a successful 2023 season. While he is making strides in his recovery, there is a possibility he may not be ready for the beginning of training camp, as mentioned by head coach Dave Canales at the end of mandatory minicamp.
