The Cincinnati Bengals have added a dynamic new talent to their backfield: Tahj Brooks. Drafted with the 193rd overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Brooks brings an impressive resume from his time at Texas Tech. But how will he fit into the Bengals’ plans, and what can fans expect from this promising running back?

Tahj Brooks: From Texas Tech Standout to NFL Prospect

Tahj Brooks hails from Manor, Texas. At Texas Tech, he carved out a memorable career that set multiple school records. Over his college tenure, Brooks logged back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and set the Red Raiders' all-time marks with 4,557 rushing yards and 879 attempts. Consistency defined his college game, as he notched 22 straight games with at least 95 rushing yards and forced 154 missed tackles — ranking third in the FBS during his stint.

Brooks’ game is built on strength, vision, and surprising agility. Despite a compact 5'9", 214-pound frame, he used his low center of gravity and lateral quickness to become a workhorse for Texas Tech. His effort earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors and a spot in the Big 12 record books, just behind legends like Ricky Williams and Cedric Benson. His academic achievements are just as impressive, including earning Academic All-America honors and a bachelor's degree in sports management. Read more about Brooks' draft selection and college highlights.

Evaluating the Bengals’ Backfield Fit

The Bengals picked Brooks to reinforce their running game. Cincinnati needed more depth behind Chase Brown and added Brooks to complement a unit featuring Samaje Perine and Zack Moss. Head coach Zac Taylor appreciates Brooks' versatility: "Great lateral quickness. Good ball skills. Can protect for us. Good all-around back." Brooks himself describes his style as versatile — he's explosive in the run game and solid in pass protection.

Scouting reports highlight Brooks’ ball security, contact balance, and ability to contribute on third downs. While he may lack top-end acceleration, his agility and durability make him a reliable option. According to The Athletic’s draft coverage, Brooks should round out the Bengals’ running back room well, providing value especially in short-yardage and pass-blocking situations.

Draft Grade and Expectations

Analysts have praised the Bengals’ decision to select Tahj Brooks as a late-round steal. He earned an A- draft grade from USA TODAY for his fit in Cincinnati’s scheme. The Bengals are eyeing a back who can handle tough yards and maintain balance in a pass-first offense. Brooks’ proven durability and experience handling heavy workloads make him an ideal candidate for a complementary role. For a deeper look at the draft class and Brooks’ evaluation, check out USA TODAY’s draft report cards.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Tahj Brooks

Tahj Brooks arrives in Cincinnati with a distinguished college career and the tools to succeed in the NFL. His running style, versatility, and leadership have set high expectations among coaches and analysts alike. If he adapts well to the pro game, Brooks could become a valuable contributor for the Bengals — both as a backup and a potential feature back in key moments.

Fans should keep an eye on this Texas Tech product as he takes the next step on football’s biggest stage. With hard work and the right opportunity, Tahj Brooks may soon become a household name in Cincinnati.