Every NFL defense needs a leader at the heart of the operation, a dynamic presence with both the physical and mental tools to propel the entire unit to success.
Texas Tech’s Jordyn Brooks has everything it takes to be that kind of player.
One of the most complete linebacker prospects in the 2020 NFL draft, Brooks recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, his rehab process as he works his way back from injury, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
JB: It was a fun experience. I really enjoyed myself out there. It was cool to be around all of the other prospects. Of course the opportunity to meet with a lot of the teams was terrific. It wasn’t really what I expected, though. Having to deal with all of the psychological testing and some of the other stuff was a bit much at times. Other than that, it was a very fun experience.
JM: Some of the psychological testing caught you off guard?
JB: Yeah. All of those tests we had to take, they were like personality tests designed for them to find out more about me and what kind of person I am. I wasn’t expecting that. It was a pretty big part of the process, actually.
JM: You ran a 4.54 in the 40-yard dash, a respectable time. You decided not to participate in any of the other drills. Why did you make that decision?
JB: I had surgery about three months ago. I just started running again a week before the combine. I didn’t get a chance to train for the combine at all. I knew I could run in a straight line though. That’s why I decided to still participate in the 40-yard dash.
JM: Everybody else was out here training for the combine several months in advance. You just started running a week before the combine, and decided to run the 40 anyway?
JB: Yeah, imagine what I would have ran had I been healthy a little earlier and had a chance to train and practice for it. I was happy with my time given the circumstances. I give all the glory to God.
JM: What’s the road to recovery looking like? If you’re running already, that’s gotta be a good sign.
JB: I was told that I would be fully healthy after about seven months. I’m feeling pretty good right now. It’s a slowly but surely kinda thing. I’m coming along nicely.
JM: That’s good news. What’s your favorite part about playing the linebacker position?
JB: I love playing right in the middle of the defense. Linebacker is a position that allows leaders to excel. It’s a leadership role type of position and I love that. I enjoy being the leader of the defense. I get to take control. I feel like that’s what the position requires and that’s the role I thrive in. We’re a perfect match for each other.
JM: Earlier, you touched on some of your team meetings at the combine. Did you have many formal or informal interviews out there?
JB: Yeah, I had a lot of them, actually. I thought they all went pretty well.
JM: Who were some of the teams that you met with?
JB: I met with so many teams. I had formals with the Raiders, Packers, Chiefs, Ravens, Jaguars, Rams and Cowboys. I can go on and on. I had so many of them.
JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?
JB: You know what, a lot of people warned me about that, but I honestly didn’t get any off-the-wall questions. Every team I met with pretty much just got to the point. We just talked about life and football for the most part. I didn’t get any strange questions.
JM: What do you enjoy more as a linebacker, coming downhill and playing in the run game, or dropping back into coverage?
JB: I think just naturally, I really enjoy playing against the run. It allows you to be physical. The physicality aspect may be my favorite part of the game. I have no problem with dropping back into coverage, I love to get an interception but I enjoy the run game more than anything. Stopping the run is the more fun part in my opinion.
JM: Who are some of the best players you’ve ever played against?
JB: I was pretty much the QB spy in our defensive system this past year. Two guys that stood out to me were Jalen Hurts and Khalil Tate. Both of those guys are great athletes for the position. I had a lot of fun playing against both of those guys.
JM: When an NFL team uses one of their draft picks on Jordyn Brooks, what kind of guy are they getting?
JB: They’re getting a guy that loves football, first and foremost. My passion for this game runs deep and it runs strong. I think that’s what you need nowadays. You can never have too many passionate players inside your locker room. I’m a guy that truly loves the game. I think that shows up in my film and my personality. I love being around the game. I’m definitely a team-first player.
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