Dallas Cowboys to host Texas running back Jonathon Brooks for top-30 visit

The Dallas Cowboys have a close eye on a local talent heading into the 2024 NFL Draft next month. Texas running back Jonathon Brooks told DallasCowboys.com reporters at Pro Day in Austin that the Cowboys have invited him for a top-30 prospect visit at the beginning of April. Though Brooks was once considered a shoo-in for a first-round selection, an ACL tear late in the Longhorns’ season has him looking a bit more attainable for a team like Dallas.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones opened up about Brooks and his recovery from ACL surgery, which was performed by the team’s own specialist.

“It always helps when one of the doctors you’re very familiar with does the surgery,” Jones said on Monday. “That’ll be very helpful. Obviously, he’s a guy we follow right in our backyard in Texas. He’s got a lot of skill sets. If it wasn’t for the injury, he would’ve ultimately been rated the best back in the draft. Any time that a back is coming off an injury, you have to take those things into account.”

Despite being fresh from injury and surgery, Brooks has a timeline for recovery that puts him back on the field in July. It’s great news for the Cowboys who let starter Tony Pollard walk for a new contract with the Titans this month.

“Our understanding is that he has a great chance to be ready to not miss anything, start training camp and go to work,” Jones said. “We’ll see. I don’t want to preempt anything.”

Brooks, from Hallettsville, Texas, situated between San Antonio and Houston, rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023. He also had 25 catches for 286 yards and one touchdown in the 10 games he played.

Other top-30 visits for the Cowboys include Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and Kentucky linebacker Trevin Wallace.

Cowboys own seven picks in 2024 NFL Draft

The Cowboys currently own seven picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. They have four of their original picks (RD1.PK24, RD2.PK56, RD3.PK87, and RD7.PK244). Dallas also received two compensatory picks (RD5.PK174, RD6.PK216). They also acquired a seventh-round pick (RD7.PK233) via trade with the Raiders. The only round the team currently does not have a selection in is the fourth.

The Cowboys sent a fourth-round pick to the 49ers last year for former first-round QB Trey Lance. They also gave a fifth-round pick to the Chiefs for a six-round pick in last year’s draft, with which they drafted cornerback Eric Scott Jr. They gave up a sixth-round pick to Houston in exchange for wide receiver Brandin Cooks last offseason as well.

The Arizona Cardinals own the most picks in the 2024 NFL Draft with 13. Four teams own 11 selections – the Packers, 49ers, Rams and Bills. The 2024 NFL Draft begins on April 25 from Detroit, Michigan. The Chicago Bears own the No. 1 overall selection.