When the NFL asks how much a running back is worth, the Panthers answer by drafting Jonathon Brooks

The violent nature of the position, Canales said, is a big reason why it's so difficult to determine the value of the cornerback position. Almost more than any other position, the running back bounces like a pinball machine, taking hit after hit. Unlike those in the trenches, who also collide with one large object of minute mass after another, running backs are much smaller body types. Each carry is another screaming tick on the clock toward the end of a linebacker's career.

Most players with illustrious college careers have put up a lot of quality tape, which negatively means they actually enter the NFL like a car being thrown out of the park and devalued. But Brooks comes to Charlotte having carried the ball just 238 times in three years of college. He spent two years behind Robinson at Texas, but that time under the former No. 8 tight end could be what gives Brooks more NFL mileage on the tires.

“You do all the analysis, you look at all the history of a running back and the amount of carries and all that. This is a really great opportunity for us,” Canales said. “It's better to get back in line and have this type of year, this type of production, you know, and seeing his future, seeing where he can be, it's really exciting.”

Three running backs were taken in the third round, meaning four are off the board in total. But Brooks was the only one at the position to be drafted during the second round. For Canales, who knows what he needs for his playbook, the opportunity to acquire Brooks was too good to pass up.

“Our system requires a linebacker that can be used, of course, just in a traditional way, and handed off to him. So, how do we put that player in space? To be able to put him on perimeter screens. We've got a really nice blank package where We use backs and bend them to get matchups, things like that.”

“He's got a bigger back, he's got range. There's a lot more that he brings from a versatility standpoint, that's probably the biggest thing that stood out and then just the vision, the patience, the balance of contact, the acceleration, it's like he's got it all, he's the best.” Back in this chapter.”