Samaje Perine and Zack Moss will turn 30 and 28, respectively, during the 2025 season. The Cincinnati Bengals sat on their hands for five rounds before taking advantage of this year’s running back class. They secured some backfield future when they struck gold at No. 193 with Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks.

On the surface, this appears to be a depth pick. However, the similarities between he and Moss are undeniable: Both are listed at 5-foot-9 and within a few pounds of 210. Each lacks breakaway speed but profiles as a punishing runner on the inside capable of gaining tough yards. On top of that, Brooks can also do most things that Perine is known for. For a stout running back, Brooks excels at catching the ball and is a monster in pass protection. If the Bengals needed a three-down workhorse (they don’t), Brooks would fit the bill.

For a sixth-round selection, the Texas native had a wildly good combine. He slots in as the No. 16 running back in terms of production (score: 72), seventh in athleticism (82), and 12th in overall RB evaluation score (75). He’s not running away from fleet-footed corners and safeties but will be a reliable battering ram between the tackles and at the goal line.

Brooks carried the ball an outrageous 576 times on the ground in his last two seasons and finished his career hitting the 100-yard mark in 19 of his last 22 games. All told, Brooks put together career totals of 879 carries, 4,557 yards rushing, and 102 receptions. He went over 1,500 yards on the ground in each of 2023 and 2024.

The fact that Cincinnati waited for a running back means Chase Brown’s gig as the main attraction is likely safe. The same cannot be said for the other backs on the roster. The total package of production and pass protection will make it extremely difficult to keep the Texas Tech product off the field in some capacity. In another running back class, Tahj Brooks would be a slam-dunk early-third-round pick.

Author: Sam Schneider (@BuyAndSellYou)