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Former Texas running back Jonathon Brooks and Florida State running back Trey Benson were the first two ball carriers off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft, so naturally, they will be compared to each other all offseason.
While some dynasty leagues don't start their rookie drafts until later in the offseason, others get to the action right away. That said, there's no time to waste diving into each player's draft analysis and potential fantasy football outlook for 2024 and beyond.
Should you draft Brooks or Benson in rookie drafts? Let's dive in.
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Jonathon Brooks Fantasy Football Outlook
After backing up Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson during the early part of his collegiate career, Brooks hit the ground running for Texas in 2023. The 20-year-old former four-star recruit rushed 187 times for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns to go along with 25 receptions for 286 yards and one score as a receiver in his lone season in the RB1 role.
Unfortunately, his season ended after 11 games due to a torn ACL. Evidently, the Panthers were fine with his medical report and made him the only running back selected in the first two rounds. His draft capital makes him intriguing in fantasy football, but unfortunately, he was unable to participate in athletic testing during the pre-draft process.
Texas RB Jonathon Brooks (@2brookss) reached 19.3 mph on this 29-yard touchdown. #ReelAnalytics
🎥: @ESPNCFB
🔗 https://t.co/orrD059ykP pic.twitter.com/GtnfiaPqzY
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) October 10, 2023
Although Brooks might be eased into action following his major knee injury, he should have a simple path to beating out Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders for the lead-back job. His upside could be limited in what might be one of the worst offenses in the NFL, but he should command plenty of volume.
Trey Benson Fantasy Football Outlook
Unlike Brooks, Benson was a key piece of his offense in each of the last two seasons. In 2022 and 2023 combined, the speedster rushed 310 times for 1,896 yards and 23 touchdowns. He added 33 receptions for 371 yards and two scores through the air.
At 216 pounds, Benson posted a 4.39 forty-yard dash time -- good for a 98th percentile speed score. Given the weak running back draft class, this was likely enough to propel him into being the second running back drafted.
WATCH: @FSUFootball RB Trey Benson (@trey_uno1) reached a max speed of 21.3 mph on this 55-yard touchdown. #ReelSpeed #NoleFamily @CoachYACJohnson
🎥: @ESPNCFB
🔗 https://t.co/orrD059ykP pic.twitter.com/hzX7Mxt37k
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) November 7, 2023
Arizona has James Conner on the roster, but he's often missed games with injuries -- making Benson a high-end handcuff RB stash immediately. If Conner misses time, Benson could have RB1 upside weeks as a rookie. It's also worth noting Conner can become a free agent after this season, so Benson should at least take over the RB1 role in 2025.
Should I Draft Brooks or Benson?
Although Brooks has a clearer path to touches in 2024, Benson is the better long-term play and dynasty asset. The Cardinals' offense is likely to take a step forward in 2024 and 2025, and the starting job will be his in 2025. It's tough to remain patient in dynasty leagues, but the former Seminole projects to be in a much better environment and has true workhorse size and speed to excel in the NFL and fantasy football.
WATCH: @FSUFootball RB Trey Benson (@trey_uno1) reached a max speed of 21.3 mph on this 55-yard touchdown. #ReelSpeed #NoleFamily @CoachYACJohnson
🎥: @ESPNCFB
🔗 https://t.co/orrD059ykP pic.twitter.com/hzX7Mxt37k
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) November 7, 2023
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