CINCINNATI — The Bengals added running back depth in the 2025 NFL Draft by way of Tahj Brooks out of Texas Tech, who is ready to take on the responsibility of protecting Joe Burrow on passing downs when called upon.

Brooks brings plenty of experience from his days in the Big 12 as the Bengals’ sixth-round pick.

“This is something that you need to do to play running back at the highest level you can, being protective that way, working on your details, being ins and outs in that way,” Brooks said on Friday. “You’re protecting a $50 million-plus quarterback that’s going to be lovely as well, a guy that can’t get hit, a guy that you need to extend plays, and you need him for the whole year.”

Brooks returned for his final year of eligibility to gain a bigger leadership role and become Texas Tech’s all-time leading rusher. He closed his career with 4,557 rushing yards over 56 career games played.

He added a strong pass-blocking rise to Pro Football Focus grades of 72.1 and 65.6 in his final two seasons protecting college quarterbacks. Brooks will vy for a spot in the running back rotation this fall.