The Panthers may have dealt a blow to Jerry Jones’s hopes after he appeared to reveal the Cowboys’ draft plans. Jonathon Brooks made history as the first running back chosen in the 2024 draft, courtesy of the Panthers’ trade-up into the middle of the second round to secure the Texas prospect. Jones had heaped praise on Brooks, praising him as one of the best interviews he’d ever conducted. However, the Panthers swooped in, sensing an opportunity to nab their coveted pick.
Brooks, whose ACL surgery was performed by the Cowboys’ team physician, expressed gratitude for landing in Carolina, sidestepping questions about Jones’ apparent interest. The draft quickly unfolded with the Panthers seizing the opportunity to select Brooks after the Packers took Edgerrin Cooper and the Giants opted for safety Tyler Nubin.
Panthers trade up to draft running back that Jerry Jones coveted https://t.co/wqG05qX3xX pic.twitter.com/K3IetW4gaj
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) April 27, 2024
Panthers GM Dan Morgan underscored the team’s high regard for running backs, emphasizing their enthusiasm for Brooks. Interestingly, Morgan had initially explored a trade with the Giants before striking a deal with the Packers.
Elsewhere in the draft, Rutgers cornerback Max Melton made waves as the 98th player from the university to join the NFL. With a nod to head coach Jonathan Gannon, Melton expressed his hope of joining the Eagles. Meanwhile, the quarterback landscape shifted dramatically, with top prospect Spencer Rattler awaiting his fate until the later rounds.
T’Vondre Sweat, a highly-rated defensive tackle, slipped to the Titans amidst off-field concerns, while cornerback Cooper DeJean emerged as a notable pick for the Eagles, potentially breaking barriers as a full-time white cornerback. DeJean’s versatility as a punt returner adds further intrigue to his NFL prospects.
