After an unforgettable season for the Heisman Trophy runner-up, junior Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty announced his declaration to the upcoming National Football League (NFL) draft via Instagram.
“The opportunity to play in the NFL is a dream of mine,” Jeanty said on his Instagram. “I’m proud to represent Boise State and all of those who have helped me along the way at the next level. Go Broncos.”
The two time All-American totalled 5631 yards (28th all time) and 56 touchdowns (tied 35th all time) in his three seasons for the Boise State Broncos, including his record breaking 2023-24 season where he finished with 2601 rushing yards (second all time).
Jeanty’s resume makes him more than qualified to be a starting running back in the NFL. In recent professional mock drafts, Jeanty found himself getting drafted near the middle of the first round. With the NFL season coming to an end the real question is: Which team will Jeanty end up with on draft night?
Though it is impossible to answer this question until the second his name is called on the draft podium, there are a handful of teams that could likely end up with Jeanty.
Based on the teams position needs, team schemes, and draft position, here are the best team fits for Ashton Jeanty:
Las Vegas Raiders (#6 Pick)
The Raiders are coming off a 4-13 record (last in the AFC West) where they struggled to create any form of offense. Having the sixth worst offense in the NFL, the Raiders need playmakers to pair with their emerging superstar tight end Brock Bowers.
What would potentially be considered as a “reach” this early in the draft, because of his projected draft standing, it would be hard to pass up on Jeanty if the stars align.
Though their biggest team need is finding a franchise quarterback, Cam Ward or Shadeur Sanders may not be available at the #6 pick, making way for the best playmaker available, Ashton Jeanty.
San Francisco 49ers (#11 Pick)
Many may be thinking, “What about Christian McCaffery?” Look at it from this perspective: Imagine a running back committee composed of the best running back in the NFL and the best running back in college. All defenses in the NFL would stress at the mere thought of this duo.
Looking around the league, successful teams are growing more accustomed to a running back committee. The Detroit Lions popularized it with their powerhouse duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. McCaffery and Jeanty have the potential to top this duo and elevate a 49ers offense that is already filled with talent.
The 49ers biggest team need is an offensive tackle, but thinking about the Heisman runner-up pairing with the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year could create a near unstoppable offense.
Dallas Cowboys (#12 Pick)
The league favorite to land Jeanty, the Cowboys injury riddled offense landed them with the #12 pick in the draft.
Led by veteran quarterback Dak Prescott paired with star receiver Ceedee Lamb and a strong offensive line, the 2024 season was supposed to be the Cowboys season.
Unfortunately, injuries across the offense and an inconsistent defense led to the Cowboys’ demise. A healthy Dallas team has every tool needed to win a Super Bowl except for one: a star running back. Jeanty could be the missing piece to bring winning football back to the city of Dallas.
Cincinnati Bengals (#17 Pick)
The Bengals hold the #17 pick after finishing the season 9-8. They fell one game short of making the playoffs, but are still filled with all-pro talent.
Though they have one of the worst defenses in the NFL, and it is likely that Cincinnati’s offseason will be centered around fixing their defense, the bottom line is that their superstar quarterback, Joe Burrow, needs help. Besides all-pro wide receiver Jamar Chase, the Bengals aren’t left with much for the two to work with.
With the likely departure of star wide receiver Tee Higgins, the Bengals offense will be predictable. The addition of Jeanty can turn a top 10 offense into the best offense in the NFL.
Denver Broncos (#20 Pick)
The odds that Jeanty is available this late in the draft are low, but Denver could be the best candidate. Veteran Head Coach Sean Payton has turned the Broncos franchise around, making them a feared team across the league once again.
Rookie quarterback, Bo Nix, finished the season with the second most passing touchdowns by a rookie in NFL history, all while throwing to a low talent Broncos receiving core.
The Broncos are already known to have one of the best defenses in the league, but with the breakout season by Nix, the Broncos need talent on the offensive side. If Jeanty is available, don’t be surprised if they pull the trigger.
What’s Next?
Round one of the NFL Draft begins on April 24 and lasts two days, ending April 26. Jeanty is a first round talent as of now, but many things could happen in the next three months that could either help or hurt his draft stock.
The NFL Draft combine begins on Feb. 27 and will last until March 4. After the combine, fans and spectators will get a better understanding of where Jeanty could end up.
