Bengals add Brooks to explosive offense

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, No. 193 overall.

Pre-draft profile

Brooks' running style is beautiful to watch. He never rushes the development of a play, and the Texas Tech standout demonstrates incredible patience between the tackles. A combination of instincts and short-area quickness make him one of the class' most elusive runners, and he has a knack for running through contact. Brooks led the nation with 96 missed tackles forced in 2023, 14 clear of Jeanty, according to PFF. Upside's the big question here, as he seemed limited in the speed department on tape. The combine 40 time was more than respectable, but it came after weighing in well shy of his listed 230 pounds in college. Is Brooks going to remain at that weight in the NFL? Does it matter? His sublime feel for the game is the main draw, either way. And with the ability to contribute as both a receiver and as an extra man in pass protection, he could provide every-down value from the jump. Brooks is a sleeper to watch.