3 best 2025 NFL Draft fits for Ashton Jeanty
By Rory Daniels
Ashton Jeanty fell just short of Barry Sanders’ single season rushing record in College Football recording 2,601 yards in 2024. Despite not breaking the record, Jeanty was one of the stand-out performers of the season, with the Boise State Broncos riding him all the way to the College Football Playoffs. But, what next for the dominant back? Where are his best fits in the NFL?
Dallas Cowboys
There are no surprises with our first landing spot. The Dallas Cowboys have lacked a true rushing identity since Ezekiel Elliott’s heyday. Rico Dowdle went for over 1,000 yards in 2024 but will hit the market this offseason. With only Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn on the roster currently, it will certainly be a position Jerry Jones will likely address.
Will it be in the first round is the big question. Finding a workhorse back to pair with Dak Prescott in his twilight years seems like a solid plan for a new, incoming head coach. It’s precisely the kind of splashy move Jones and co. could make but at pick 12, is the value too rich? They are certainly the frontrunners as it stands.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos rushing attack was pretty middle of the road in 2024. However, it was heavily boosted by rookie QB Bo Nix, contributing 430 yards on the ground in 92 attempts. The actual running backs were disappointing. Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin averaged around 30 yards per game each, and it feels like Williams will be seeking a fresh start in free agency.
Jeanty’s powerful and destructive style would mesh nicely with scat-back McLaughlin and help ease the burden the offense has placed on Nix. It was an impressive start from the signal-caller, but teams will come ready in 2025, and having a plan B is a must for Sean Payton.
Las Vegas Raiders
It’s all change in Las Vegas this offseason. By all accounts, Tom Brady is taking a prominent role in the search for a head coach, and that could signal a change in fortunes for the franchise. With the sixth pick in the draft finding their QB of the future could be tricky.
An alternative could be selecting Jeanty and ensuring the team has a strong, rushing identity. That would allow the Raiders to find a stop-gap at QB or a developmental prospect while still running a competent offense formulated around a physical run game. It could even herald a return to the Raiders having the league’s leading rusher, like in 2022, when Josh Jacobs ran for 1,653 yards.
