Who Should I Start? Tahj Brooks or Kyle Monangai

Friday, July 25, 1:52 PM

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said throughout the spring how impressed they were with rookie running back Tahj Brooks' pass-catching abilities out of the backfield. Reporter Jaron May writes that Brooks had three catches -- two checkdowns and one designed route -- in the first set of 11-on-11 drills at training camp practice on Friday. The 23-year-old sixth-round selection wasn't a very prolific pass-catcher in his college days at Texas Tech, but he could be used more as a receiver at the next level as he competes for a depth role going into his first NFL season. Chase Brown is the team's unquestioned lead back, but Brooks will compete with Zack Moss (neck) and Samaje Perine for a change-of-pace role. For now, he's more of a dynasty stash.

Friday, June 6, 3:17 PM

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said that rookie seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai has "really stepped up" during mandatory minicamp, including catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Caleb Williams during a situational drill on Wednesday. "I appreciate the attention to detail and the pride he takes and how quickly he's picking things up," Johnson said of Monangai. The 23-year-old Rutgers product doesn't have excellent speed or hands for a running back, but he could be an asset for the Bears in short-yardage and goal-line situations down the road. D'Andre Swift is Chicago's clear lead back still heading into the 2025 season, but Monangai could have a real shot to battle with Roschon Johnson for the backup role. And we all know that Johnson has a history of a two-back system from his time running Detroit's offense. Monangai won't be on the redraft fantasy radar, though.