Bengals potentially discovered a hidden gem in the NFL Draft with their sixth-round selection, showing a resemblance to Emmitt Smith.
Cincinnati Bengals' Rookie Running Back Tahj Brooks Shines in Training Camp
Tahj Brooks, the sixth-round pick from Texas Tech, has impressed significantly during Cincinnati Bengals' 2025 training camp. The rookie has been taking reps with all three offensive units and receiving a heavy workload in practice.
Coaches, including head coach Zac Taylor, have praised Brooks' versatility. Taylor has highlighted Brooks' abilities in the run game, pass-catching, and pass protection, stating that he expects Brooks to contribute on offense and special teams.
Brooks himself is embracing the workload and is focused on mastering the mental aspects of the NFL game. He shows appreciation for the amount of practice reps he’s getting.
Expectations for Brooks’ rookie year are high, especially considering the Bengals released another running back (Zack Moss), leaving Brooks as part of the top three backs behind Chase Brown and Samaje Perine. Given Brooks' catch rates at Texas Tech and the Bengals’ tendency to target running backs in the passing game, he is expected to fit well into Cincinnati’s offense and contribute as a multi-dimensional player.
Brooks is enthusiastic and has expressed readiness to capitalize on the opportunity. He is not worried about fatigue but is committed to learning the system thoroughly.
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire compared Brooks to Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. Brooks' impressive performances during the first two weeks of training camp have certainly given the Bengals' coaching staff reasons to believe that comparison might not be too far-fetched.
Brooks was one of only two running backs in the FBS last season who started at least 10 games and rushed for at least 100 yards in every start. He is built like a bowling ball and moves like a cat, allowing him to top 1,500 rushing yards in each of his final two seasons at Texas Tech.
Brooks has been learning from NFL stars like Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins in the Bengals locker room. He believes his strength in pass protection will translate well to the NFL and is aiming for at least 500 rushing yards and 8+ touchdowns in his rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals.
In the past decade, only two rookie running backs drafted in the sixth round or later have hit 500 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns: Elijah Mitchell (San Francisco 49ers, 2021) and Isiah Pacheco (Kansas City Chiefs, 2022). Brooks is determined to join this exclusive club.
Brooks had 4,560 rushing yards during his college career at Texas Tech, which ranks fourth-most in Big 12 history. He has also been getting help from the other running backs in the Bengals' backfield, including Chase Brown and Samaje Perine.
Brooks caught at least 25 passes in each of his final three seasons at Texas Tech. He is confident and ready to prove that the 31 other teams made a mistake by passing on him in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In summary, Tahj Brooks is off to a strong start in training camp with a notable practice presence and a clear role envisioned by the Bengals’ coaching staff, who expect him to be a valuable contributor in his rookie season.
- Tahj Brooks' performance during the Cincinnati Bengals' 2025 training camp has been significantly impressive.
- Coaches, including head coach Zac Taylor, have praised Brooks' versatility, highlighting his abilities in the run game, pass-catching, and pass protection.
- Brooks himself is focused on mastering the mental aspects of the NFL game, embracing the workload and being committed to learning the system thoroughly.
- Expectations for Brooks' rookie year are high, with him being expected to fit well into Cincinnati’s offense and contribute as a multi-dimensional player.
- In the past decade, only two rookie running backs drafted in the sixth round or later have hit 500 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, but Brooks is determined to join this exclusive club.
- Brooks is confident and ready to prove that the 31 other teams made a mistake by passing on him in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he aims for at least 500 rushing yards and 8+ touchdowns in his rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals.
