Ashton Jeanty is galloping toward a potential groundbreaking Heisman Trophy, as he puts up outrageous numbers week after week. However, it’s hard to know how highly he’ll be valued as an NFL prospect, given the lack of emphasis put on the running back position in this era. Let’s talk about where he might end up.
Where Did Ashton Jeanty Land in Our 2025 NFL Mock Draft?
In Pro Football Network’s most recent seven-round 2025 NFL Draft mock, Jeanty went No. 11 overall to the Dallas Cowboys. Here’s what Dalton Miller wrote in his blurb:
“It doesn’t matter what you or I or anybody thinks about running back value. We’ve seen a resurgence in the conversation with teams forking up big money this past offseason and reaping the rewards. Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and even the 49ers’ trade for Christian McCaffrey all helped those offenses immensely.
“Dallas fans can hope the new administration will hire a legitimately talented offensive-line coach instead of a friend. A new run scheme could unlock the rushing attack behind Dak Prescott. Ashton Jeanty is the most complete back I’ve studied since starting this obsession in 2016. He has no legitimate hole in his game. And he’ll sell a million jerseys, which the owner/GM will love.”
Jeanty’s Best Landing Spots in the NFL
Dallas Cowboys
Miller’s landing spot makes sense, as Dallas is currently starting 26-year-old Rico Dowdle while mixing in 29-year-old Ezekiel Elliott.
After being known for their dominant rushing attack for years, the Dallas Cowboys currently rank 32nd in rushing touchdowns per game (0.3) and 31st in rushing yards per game (85.8). This is a huge weakness and Jeanty is the perfect solution.
Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb make one of the NFL’s best quarterback-wide receiver duos, and they’ll be even scarier with an offensive weapon like Jeanty alongside them. And to Miller’s point, Jeanty just seems like the kind of player Jerry Jones would fall in love with.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos offense has looked better than expected with Bo Nix at the helm, as Sean Payton has done a great job salvaging the Broncos’ post-Russell Wilson era. However, the team is missing an explosive playmaker, a role Jeanty could certainly fill.
Javonte Williams has been inefficient, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Jaleel McLaughlin has shown flashes, but he isn’t an every-down back. Through 13 games, the Broncos don’t have a single player who has rushed for even 450 yards. Of course, the offensive line is to blame to a degree, but Jeanty’s dynamic running ability could certainly help.
Seeing Payton help Jeanty realize his full potential would be fun, just as he did with Alvin Kamara on the New Orleans Saints.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are averaging 87.3 rushing yards per game, which is the third-worst mark in the NFL this season. Nick Chubb’s comeback from a devastating knee injury has been a terrific story, but he hasn’t looked like himself.
This season, he’s averaging 3.0 yards per carry and just 4.1% of Chubb’s carries have gained 10+ yards, far below his career norm entering this season (15.8%). Chubb turns 29 years old later this month and he’s on an expiring contract.
It remains to be seen how many games Cleveland wins down the stretch. If the season ended today, they would have the No. 8 overall pick, which might be a bit high for Jeanty. But if they win another game or two, perhaps they look Jeanty’s way.
Jeanty’s Scouting Report
Let’s check out some of the key takeaways from Cummings’ profile on Jeanty.
“Jeanty has the baseline vision, explosiveness, and physicality that all offensive coordinators covet in their ball carriers. But the Boise State RB takes things three steps further with his extraordinary creative framework — a framework that’s assuredly translatable in the NFL.
“As a creative threat, Jeanty possesses a devastating elusion fusion that combines crisp agility, lower-body flexibility, post-cut explosiveness, effortless contact balance, and a sixth-sense level of spatial understanding and feel. That fusion makes him almost 1-of-1.
“As a natural runner, Jeanty inspires awe. And as a receiving threat, he has immense upside as well. Not only is he a natural catcher, but his skill set is extremely conducive to yards after catch, and he has the fluidity and energy in his motion to supplement a full route tree.
“At his size, Jeanty will always have some slight limitations as a pass blocker, but even there, he gives great effort and has enough strength. Simply put, Jeanty is a complete three-down volume back with the devastating creative ability to give defenses nightmares for years on end.”
Ashton Jeanty 2024 Season Stats and Game Breakdowns
Carries: 312
Rushing Yards: 2,288
Yards Per Carry: 7.3
Rushing Touchdowns: 28
Receptions: 18
Receiving Yards: 102
Receiving Touchdowns: 1
Jeanty has been dominant this season, and his numbers would be even better if he didn’t take a seat in several of Boise State’s blowout wins.
He started the year with a 267-yard, six-touchdown performance against Georgia Southern, followed by an impressive 192-yard, three-TD game against a top-tier Oregon team. Also, he rushed for 259 yards and four scores against Washington State.
Jeanty’s 2,288 yards rank fifth in FBS history. Barry Sanders, who holds the NCAA rushing record with 2,628 yards, recently wished Jeanty luck in a classy post.
Hey @AshtonJeanty2 – Wishing you luck tonight.
My fans can gripe, but records are made to be broken & I am rooting for you. I love seeing all these @NFL and @NCAA #RBs showing the value of the position. #RunTheRock pic.twitter.com/bk0NtPbAL0— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) December 6, 2024
Jeanty’s worst performance of the season was an 11-carry, 127-yard day against Portland State. He has rushed for at least 127 yards in every game this season, and he has scored a touchdown in 11 of 12 games.
When Is Jeanty Playing Next?
Jeanty and the No. 10 Boise State Broncos will face off against the No. 20 UNLV Rebels on Friday at 8 p.m. ET in the Mountain West Conference Football Championship Game. You can watch this game on Fox.
Jeanty and the Broncos will try to improve to 12-1 on the season. When Jeanty faced UNLV earlier this year, he rushed for 128 yards and one touchdown in the 29-24 win.