One of the most hyped running back prospects in recent memory, Ashton Jeanty was a game-changing force in college football. His combination of speed and explosiveness made him a nightmare matchup, as he nearly single-handedly led Boise State to the College Football Playoff.
An impressive 2024 season led Jeanty to post historic numbers and earn a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist. Now, he’s headed to the NFL in the 2025 Draft with several potential landing spots.
5 Potential Landing Spots for Ashton Jeanty
In 2024, Jeanty made a huge leap from his previous two seasons, surpassing his combined stats from both years. He totaled 2,601 yards and a remarkable 29 touchdowns, becoming an offense unto himself.
A lot of teams will be eager to add a player of his caliber. Here are five teams that could land Jeanty in the NFL Draft.
Denver Broncos
Last season, the Broncos made a surprise playoff appearance, boasting the league’s top defense according to PFSN’s Defense+ metric. However, with a rookie quarterback and limited offensive weapons, the offense didn’t meet fans’ expectations in Denver.
They finished 16th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric. Before the offseason even began, head coach Sean Payton made it clear that offensive improvements were necessary.
The Broncos were quiet in free agency, but they could make a splash by drafting Jeanty. While Jeanty may not fit the “Joker” role Payton envisions, he has proven himself as a capable receiver, especially in 2023 when he posted 569 receiving yards.
For a Denver team that didn’t have a single-player rush for more than 600 yards last season, Jeanty would be a game-changer. He would add explosiveness to the offense, take pressure off Bo Nix, and make the Broncos a playoff lock.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers started 10-3 but collapsed, losing five straight to exit in the Wild Card round. With no permanent solution at quarterback, there’s speculation about a possible union with Aaron Rodgers.
However, with Najee Harris leaving in free agency, the Steelers lack a ground game. Regardless of what they do at quarterback, they need help at running back to keep the offense dynamic.
Jeanty could fill that need and be a dangerous weapon, whether paired with a rookie quarterback or a veteran like Rodgers.
Dallas Cowboys
After letting Tony Pollard leave in free agency, the Cowboys haven’t found a permanent solution at running back. Rico Dowdle rushed for over 1,000 yards last year, but with Dak Prescott injured, that production might have been due to the team’s reliance on the run game. Dowdle was allowed to walk, and the Cowboys brought in Javonte Williams from Denver.
Given Denver’s struggles in the run game, Williams likely isn’t the long-term answer. Jeanty would immediately elevate a Dallas offense that lacks game-changing playmakers outside of CeeDee Lamb.
Jacob Infante, in a mock draft for PFSN, said an upgrade at running back was needed for the Cowboys. “The Dallas Cowboys’ run game was quite ineffective in 2024, and ownership certainly has a love for big-name talent. It seems like the perfect marriage to see America’s Team end up with the top running back in college football.”
Infante praised Jeanty’s skill set, calling him “an intelligent runner with agility, contact balance, ball-carrier vision, and value on passing downs.” Adding Jeanty would be a hit with the Cowboys fan base.
Chicago Bears
Last season was a disaster for the Bears, but with new head coach Ben Johnson and a revamped offensive line, Chicago has a chance to bounce back. The trio of Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and center Drew Dalman should improve their line play.
Johnson’s success in Detroit, where he used a dual running threat alongside D’Andre Swift, could be the blueprint for Chicago’s offensive resurgence. Ian Cummings, in his mock draft for PFSN, said Jeanty is a great fit for the Bears.
“Ashton Jeanty is the perfect RB to be Ben Johnson’s engine: a generational elusive force with a physical edge.” His addition would significantly improve an offense that struggled last season.
With Caleb Williams, Johnson, Jeanty, and a rebuilt offensive line, even the most pessimistic Bears fans could feel optimistic.
Las Vegas Raiders
New owner Tom Brady and new head coach Pete Carroll made it clear in free agency that they’re ready to compete right away. Signing Geno Smith was a big step, but the Raiders need more pieces around him.
With the sixth overall pick, Las Vegas is in a prime position to draft Jeanty and boost their offense. Jacob Infante noted that it makes sense for the Raiders to add more offensive weapons.
“After trading for Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith, it’s unlikely the Las Vegas Raiders push hard for a quarterback in Round 1. Instead, it makes sense to surround Smith with more offensive weapons.”
Losing Josh Jacobs left the Raiders without a top-tier running back, but that allows them to draft Jeanty. “Ashton Jeanty put up eye-popping numbers for Boise State in 2024. He’s a smart runner with great agility, vision, and contact balance,” Infante wrote. “His skills in the passing game also make him a high-impact starter. He’d be a great fit for a coach like Pete Carroll, who leans on the run game.”