Jonathon Brooks is exactly what the Panthers were hoping for after selecting him in the second round

When the Carolina Panthers selected running back Jonathon Brooks in the second round, the franchise said it expected him to be a difference-maker. 

Several pundits were worried about the selection because Brooks is returning from a torn ACL. But that isn't deterring CBS Sports analyst Chris Trapasso from placing him in a top-ten instant impact rookie ahead of the 2024 season. 

Brooks came in ranked No. 5 overall on Trapasso's list. And it is well deserved. 

Here is what Trapasso had to say: 

"I didn't have Brooks graded as a top three running back in this class. However, I was in the minority with that take. Beyond that, I will admit Brooks has feature-back size, speed, power and plus cutting capabilities. He's built to run between the tackles, and once medically cleared, handle a full workload.

"That's precisely what he's going to do in Carolina, with only Chuba Hubbard ahead of him on the running back depth chart. He's in a glorious situation to handle feature-back duties. Instantly. And while I don't envision the Panthers' offensive line to routinely bulldoze the fronts it faces, at least GM Dan Morgan prioritized the blocking unit this offseason, signing guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis."

Brooks seems primed to live up to that billing. After being drafted, he talked often of the type of game he planned to bring to the NFL. He believes his versatility won't be able to be matched. 

"I'm just allusive," Brooks said, via an ESPN article. "I'm a back that I'm not going to be the fastest on the field, but I'm going to make you miss.

"I'm not going to go down on the first contact, and for me, it's being explosive.''

If that proves true, Brooks will be difficult to take down. With his ACL injury on track to heal ahead of the 2024 season, CBS Sports' list may have him ranked too low.