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. 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.