Last year’s Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty will soon have a new home as he begins the next chapter of his career. All he did last season was rush for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns—not too bad.
Which NFL stops make the most sense for the former Boise State football standout?
5 Potential NFL Draft Landing Spots for Ashton Jeanty
Jeanty measures 5-‘8 1/2″ and 211 pounds, and he runs like a wrecking ball. Thanks to players like Saquon Barkley, there’s been something of a running back renaissance in the NFL, which bodes well for the most talented back in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
His game features strength, speed, vision, and finesse. There isn’t much he can’t do with the ball in his hands. This year’s draft features a deep running back group, but there’s no question who sits at the top. Let’s take a look at five potential landing spots for him.
Las Vegas Raiders
The RB1 role is wide open in Vegas. Sure, there’s a slew of backs on the roster right now, but there isn’t a true No. 1 option.
Jeanty would be an immediate weapon to pair with Brock Bowers for Geno Smith, and he should help the Raiders begin to craft an offensive identity. Their offensive line wasn’t great last year, so adding a supremely talented back who can run through contact would be a welcome upgrade.
Chicago Bears
There are rumors, substantiated or not, that the Bears might be interested in moving up to get Jeanty. Whether that happens or he falls to them at No. 10, Jeanty makes a lot of sense in Chicago.
The Bears have poured money and draft capital into their quarterback, wide receivers and now the offensive line. An elite running back would be the cherry on top. D’Andre Swift was good, not great, last season, so Jeanty would be a clear upgrade.
San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey is reportedly entering the 2025 season completely healthy (via ESPN). Still, we’re talking about a 28-year-old running back with a lengthy injury history, including a lost year last season.
Jeanty is a playmaker who would thrive in a run-heavy offense under Kyle Shanahan. A two-back system could reduce the workload on both players—an ideal setup considering Jeanty is coming off a 374-carry season. If McCaffrey were to get injured again, the 49ers would have one heck of an insurance policy.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys added Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams this offseason, but that shouldn’t stop them from pursuing a talent like Jeanty. Historically, Dallas has been at its best with a true No. 1 back, and Jeanty would be just that.
Last season was a forgettable one for the Cowboys’ ground game. They ranked sixth-worst in rushing yards and dead last with only six rushing touchdowns. Jeanty would be an easy and meaningful upgrade.
Denver Broncos
If Jeanty falls to No. 20, we’re talking about a significant draft-night slide. That said, Denver would make a ton of sense in terms of fit.
The Broncos found some success with Bo Nix last season, but they still finished in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards and tied for the ninth-fewest rushing touchdowns. Javonte Williams never truly lived up to the RB1 billing—and as mentioned, he’s no longer in Denver. Jeanty would step in and immediately help the second-year quarterback.
KEEP READING: Top 10 RBs in the 2025 NFL Draft
Like many first-rounders, there’s a wide range in which Jeanty could be selected. But wherever he lands, he’ll be looking to replicate his collegiate dominance on Sundays.
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