As the 2008 NFL draft approached, the Carolina Panthers appeared to have their running back situation sorted with DeAngelo Williams poised to lead the charge following the release of DeShaun Foster. However, their selection of Jonathan Stewart with the No. 13 overall pick came as a shock to many, marking a surprising turn of events.
Fast forward to the 2024 draft, and history seemed to repeat itself as the Panthers made another unexpected move in the second round. Trading up six spots, they secured Texas running back Jonathon Brooks at No. 46 overall, leaving fans and analysts alike intrigued by the team’s strategy, especially given recent praise for the backfield combination of Chuba Hubbard and Chuba Hubbard under new coach Dave Canales.
Despite concerns raised by draft analysts about Brooks’ recovery from a torn ACL, the Panthers’ leadership remains optimistic about the potential impact of their latest acquisition. Drawing parallels to the success of Stewart’s selection in 2008, they hope that Brooks will inject fresh energy into the team’s running game, reminiscent of the formidable “Double Trouble” duo of Stewart and Williams.
General Manager Dan Morgan emphasized the team’s commitment to the running game, a sentiment echoed by Coach Canales, who highlighted the importance of the position in their offensive strategy. Former Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme echoed this sentiment, noting the pivotal role a strong running game plays in supporting a quarterback’s success.
Canales emphasized the value of versatility in their running backs, a quality they see in the 6-foot-1, 216-pound Brooks, who brings a different dynamic to the backfield compared to Hubbard, Sanders, and Rashaad Penny. Brooks’ limited workload at Texas combined with his skill set and potential for explosiveness make him an intriguing addition to a Panthers offense seeking to reignite its spark.
While Hubbard is expected to lead the running back corps initially, Brooks’ eventual return to full health could see him challenging for a prominent role. Despite Sanders’ struggles last season, the Panthers remain committed to his contributions and envision a significant role for him in their offensive plans.
As they invest in bolstering their offensive line and diversifying their running back options, the Panthers are poised to embrace a multi-dimensional approach to their ground game—a strategy rooted in the belief that having multiple threats in the backfield is essential for sustained success in the NFL.