Jonathon Brooks, a third-year running back for the Carolina Panthers, just landed on NFL.com’s Matt Okada’s list of best fantasy values for 2026, and his average draft position sitting at RB39 is screaming “SLEEPER.”
Carolina’s Struggle and a Glimmer of Hope
We all know the Panthers have been pretty dry for high-end fantasy talent ever since they shipped Christian McCaffrey out in 2022. Yeah, Tetairoa McMillan pulled off 1,014 receiving yards in 2025, good for 14th in the league, and Rico Dowdle had that wild five-game stretch averaging 130.4 rushing yards from Weeks 5 to 9. But going into 2026, the roster just hasn’t screamed “upside” beyond McMillan. That’s why Brooks is getting so much buzz right now.
High Risk, Even Higher Reward?
Okada isn’t wrong about the risk; it’s definitely high. The Panthers offense isn’t exactly lighting it up overall, and Brooks is still behind Chuba Hubbard on the depth chart. He’s not projected to be a lead fantasy producer at his position. But let’s talk upside, because this is where it gets interesting. Brooks was a 46th overall pick in 2024, and history tells us top-50 running backs usually hit at least one RB2 season, or better. Plus, during the pre-draft process, this guy was compared to none other than Jamaal Charles! He was even widely considered the top running back in his entire class.
The Ultimate Gamble Pick
An 11th-round pick for a player with that kind of ceiling? That’s a small gamble you gotta take. If he doesn’t pop early, you cut him loose for a waiver wire pickup, no big deal. But if he stays healthy and shows that explosion, proving he’s more dynamic than Hubbard, he could absolutely be one of the league’s biggest value picks. Keep a close eye on Brooks as the season starts, because this slick late-round add could pay off HUGE for anyone willing to take the shot.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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