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Report: Colts Work Out Former Seahawks Running Back Zac Brooks

By Luke Schultheis

Nov 14, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Zac Brooks (24) runs through the tackle of Syracuse Orange linebacker Zaire Franklin (4) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Zac Brooks (24) runs through the tackle of Syracuse Orange linebacker Zaire Franklin (4) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Still kicking the tires on additional depth behind Frank Gore, the Indianapolis Colts brought in another young running back for a work out on Tuesday.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan, the Indianapolis Colts worked out former Seattle Seahawks running back Zac Brooks on Tuesday:

Aug 13, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Zac Brooks (30) returns to the sidelines after an injury during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Seattle won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Zac Brooks (30) returns to the sidelines after an injury during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Seattle won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Originally drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 7th round of this year’s NFL Draft, the 6’0″, 200 pound running back had 6 rushes for 17 total rushing yards in 2 preseason games before being waived August 30th as part of his ex-team’s initial 75-man roster cuts.

The former Clemson Tigers standout had 116 career carries for 607 total rushing yards (5.2 ypc avg) and 5 rushing touchdowns during his collegiate career.

Here’s what his NFL.com Draft profile depicted regarding Brooks:

"STRENGTHSStrong pro day performance put him on the draft map for teams. Ran a 4.45 with above average explosion numbers (36-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-9 broad jump). Can accelerate quickly and gets to full speed quickly. Enough lateral agility to make a tackler miss. Caught passes in high school and has ability to be used out of backfield. Intelligent and can process."

"WEAKNESSESLacks production worthy of a draft pick. Strictly projection-based player who had just 809 yards of total offense and 115 carries during time at Clemson. Played in run-friendly scheme at Clemson. Doesn’t do enough to create yardage for himself.BOTTOM LINEHas the measurables and physical upside worthy of being drafted, but lacks the production and ability of an NFL running back. Might have to make his mark with a conversion to receiver or pass-catching running back."

"“During pro day, Brooks spent time meeting with representatives from the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks. He already had a visit to Seattle scheduled for April, and now that he has had an opportunity to work out in front of NFL scouts, there could be more to come.”"

Brooks is intriguing from purely a physical measurables standpoint, but having been released by the Seahawks as part of their 75-man roster cut (not even final 53-man), it raises the question of how legitimate of an NFL running back prospect he really is.

"“He’s had a couple of good days now, he’s a very good catcher, he has receiving in his background, as well,” said Seattle head coach Pete Carroll per Seahawks.com during his team’s training camp.  “He’s a versatile player and he’s made a really good first impression.”"

From that perspective, it’s possible that Brooks could potentially have value as a change-of-pace, 3rd down running back with his pass catching ability, but such a signing to the active roster would make someone like Ferguson seem very expendable.

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