The NFL Draft saw a notable highlight as the Cincinnati Bengals selected Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech's all-time leading rusher, with the 193rd overall pick in the sixth round. Brooks, who concludes his college career with a remarkable record of 4,557 rushing yards over 56 games, broke the previous program record set by Byron Hanspard. His total of 47 touchdowns ranks him third in Texas Tech history, and he is among the exclusive group of players exceeding 5,000 all-purpose yards for the school. His impressive performance included two 1,500-yard seasons in 2023 and 2024, showcasing his capability as a powerful runner.

Despite being projected as a Day 3 selection and labeled as an "average backup or special teamer" by NFL.com, Brooks is recognized for his stout running style and agility. His ability to execute quick cuts and evade defenders in confined spaces was particularly noted by NFL analyst Lance Zierlein. As he transitions into the NFL, fantasy managers should monitor how Brooks adapts to the Bengals' offensive scheme, especially considering the potential for a timeshare in a backfield that already has established talents.