The Minnesota Vikings should bolster their backfield with a young running back.
Although he didn’t play like it, Aaron Jones is 30. Dalvin Cook and many other backs have dropped off once they hit the wrong side of 30, and the Vikings hedged by trading for Jordan Mason this offseason. Minnesota drafted Ty Chandler in 2022, and he’s shown flashes. However, the former fifth-rounder has proven he isn’t an every-down back.
Therefore, adding a running back would also give J.J. McCarthy more support as he enters the league.
The current free-agent running back class is underwhelming, and, given Jones’ veteran presence, this seems like the ideal situation for a rookie. It would allow him to learn behind a proven back while also not having the expectations of being No. 1 on the depth chart.
Enter Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks, one of the most underrated running backs in this year’s draft.
Brooks is one of the best running backs in Texas Tech’s history. He’s their all-time leading rusher. Even more impressive? He did it in an air-raid offense.
PFF rates Brooks as the fifth-best back in this draft.
Still, Brooks is projected to go on Day 3. Given how much production Brooks had in his career, this seems low, and the Vikings could get value with this pick.
Brooks is the definition of a workhorse back. At 5’10”, 230 lbs., he’s almost impossible to bring down.
Brooks can stay on his feet and drive forward, which is less common in the modern run game, making him stand out amongst his peers.
However, let’s not be quick to put a label on Brooks. His finesse and vision are pro-level and his most underrated attributes. He’s excellent at finding the hole and waiting for his blockers.
Brooks has a unique running style. He has the body and physicality of NFL veteran Mike Davis, yet he has Le’Veon Bell’s patience. It’s rare to get both in the same package.
His footwork and ability to change direction complement his patience. He bounces outside often for a larger back but is surprisingly effective.
One of the biggest knocks on Brooks is he may not have the best breakaway speed. He can occasionally get caught from behind, but his tape proves this isn’t an issue due to his patience and finesse. Brooks has a feel for the game and runs fluidly.
Brooks looks like the most natural ball carrier in the draft. All of his movements look smooth. His tape is exactly what a coach would try to teach, and he almost has an innate feel for the game.
Brooks rushed for over 100 yards a game in every game in the 2024 season, which is no small feat in Texas Tech’s passing offense. He also is a sneaky-good pass-catcher, and I don’t just mean around the line of scrimmage.
However, Brooks struggles in pass protection. He has been inconsistent with this at the college level. He has high highs and some low lows.
Brooks excels at the physical nature of pass protection, but he often falls short in blitz recognition. However, this should not be too much of an issue due to his build when you are as coachable as he is.
The value Brooks would add to the Vikings is substantial, given his draft projections. It’s an excellent fit for his skillset and addresses Minnesota’s needs. Kevin O’Connell’s offense has always lacked a true ground-and-pound running back. With some of the zone schemes he runs, Brooks complements Jones.
Brooks can also fill in nicely due to his underrated pass-catching ability. It is a rare skill set to find in one player, which makes him an excellent fit for the Vikings.
