Panthers' new-look running back says exactly what fans were hoping to hear on day 1

For all the concerns regarding the selection of running back Jonathon Brooks, he seemingly quieted some of those concerns down Friday. 

The second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers opened up about his ACL rehab, which is says is going according to plan. He also indicated that the Panthers' crowded running back room wasn't a concern. He views it as a chance to learn from the veterans that he will be competing against for playing time. 

For me, just to learn from them," Brooks said of the veterans on the roster. "I just need to get healthy, learn the playbook, and do what I need to do."

Brooks, when healthy, looked like an absolute problem on the field for opposing defenses. 

He rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 11 games.

At the pro level, he wants to do more of the same. But first, he has to get healthy – which he promised he would. 

"You gotta be mentally tough more than anything,” Brooks said of rehab. "As far as rehab, it’s just the mental part of it that’s the hardest part to get through."