What Brooks showed at Texas in 2023 was genuinely impressive–1,425 total yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games as a sophomore, with a 9th-ranked run grade and the 11th-most missed tackles forced in the college sample, plus a solid receiving profile. The talent was never the question. Two ACL tears in the same knee in consecutive seasons is the issue, and it's a significant one even with a full medical clearance and the Brooks reporting he's close to 100 percent. That phrase covers a wide range of realities going into his first real NFL season. Carolina's 236 vacated carries create a real opportunity alongside Chuba Hubbard, and Monroe Freeling's addition at tackle should help whoever leads the backfield. If Hubbard (August hamstring) can get healthy, Brooks figures to ease into a complementary role while the coaching staff evaluates how his knee holds up under NFL contact. The ceiling is real if the knee is right, and if Hubbard’s hammy lingers, we may find out about Brooks sooner rather than later.