.png)
Ashton Jeanty: Boise State’s Top Prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft
- Garrison Gridiron
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is no longer just a college football sensation—he’s now on the cusp of becoming an elite NFL talent. After a historic 2024 season that saw him compile 2,601 rushing yards—the second-most in FBS history—Jeanty has firmly positioned himself as the top running back in the 2025 NFL Draft class. While he opted out of on-field drills at the recent NFL Combine, his stock remains sky-high, with analysts widely expecting him to be the first running back selected on April 24.
A Talent Too Good to Ignore
ESPN’s Field Yates ranks Jeanty as the No. 4 overall prospect in the draft, praising his ability to evade defenders, break tackles, and contribute as a dynamic weapon in the passing game. “No running back in this class comes close to his ability to make defenders miss in the hole, run through tackles, make decisive cuts and affect the passing game. We can debate the merits of taking a back early, but Jeanty is a top-five prospect on talent alone,” Yates wrote.
Jeanty’s production in 2024 was nothing short of legendary—his 29 rushing touchdowns showcased an uncanny nose for the end zone, and his 88 broken tackles emphasized his elite contact balance and playmaking ability. Add in his polished receiving skills, and it’s clear why NFL teams view him as an immediate game-changer.
Ashton Jeanty’s Potential Landing Spots in the 2025 NFL Draft
Mock drafts have consistently linked Jeanty to the Las Vegas Raiders, with ESPN analysts Mel Kiper and Jordan Reid both projecting him as the No. 6 overall pick. The Raiders, under newly hired head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, desperately need a spark in their rushing attack after finishing dead last in the NFL in rushing yards per game (79.8) and yards per carry (3.6) in 2024.
Reid emphasized Jeanty’s unique skill set as a major reason why the Raiders could prioritize him early. “What sets Jeanty apart is his contact balance, as he finished with more yards after contact (1,733) than any other FBS back,” Reid noted. “Drafting a running back this high will prompt debate, but the Raiders desperately need help in that department.”
While the Raiders remain a strong possibility, other teams in need of an offensive playmaker—such as the Arizona Cardinals or Los Angeles Chargers—could also be in the mix. The Chargers, in particular, have been linked to North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, another highly touted running back, which could influence Jeanty’s draft positioning.
A Modern-Day Running Back Built for Today’s NFL
Despite ongoing debates about the value of drafting a running back early, Jeanty’s all-around game makes him a rare exception. He isn’t just a power runner or a one-dimensional back—he’s a dual-threat who can change the complexion of an offense. His vision, burst, and pass-catching ability mirror some of the top backs in the modern NFL, making him an ideal fit for a scheme looking for a dynamic playmaker rather than a traditional workhorse.
Jeanty himself is fully aware of the legacy he’s chasing. In a recent interview, he named Hall of Famer Barry Sanders as the greatest running back of all time—a fitting choice for a player who has drawn comparisons for his ability to make defenders miss in space. If Jeanty can bring even a fraction of Sanders’ electrifying style to the next level, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.
A Bright Future Ahead
With just over a month until the 2025 NFL Draft, Jeanty’s future is all but secured—he will be the first running back off the board, and he has a legitimate chance of cracking the top 10. The only question left is which team will have the privilege of adding a player who could transform their offense from Day 1.
Boise State fans have long known what Jeanty brings to the table, and soon, the entire NFL will too. No matter where he lands, expect Ashton Jeanty to make an immediate impact and carry the banner of Boise State excellence to the next level.
Comments