Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is one of the most fascinating players heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Jeanty is arguably the most talented player in the draft, but the relative value of his position means he won’t go off the board ahead of guys like Miami’s Cam Ward, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, and Penn State’s Abdul Carter. However, everyone after that is fair game, and Saquon Barkley’s magical 2025 has helped revive the running back market. So, which teams are most likely to pursue the potential All-Pro talent?
Most Likely NFL Draft Landing Spots For Ashton Jeanty, Ranked
5. New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have bigger needs than running back, but the fit is too good to ignore. Derek Carr may or may not suit up for this team in 2025, but no matter what happens, all reports indicate New Orleans won’t use a top-10 pick on this weak quarterback class. However, they could select someone like Alabama’s Jalen Milroe or Louisville’s Tyler Shough in the second round, and that player will need some support. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger, and Ashton Jeanty could be the heir to his throne.
4. New England Patriots
Given the current state of their roster, can the New England Patriots justify using the fourth-overall pick on a running back? Probably not, but if anyone will do it, it’s Mike Vrabel. The old-school football mind used Derrick Henry as his unstoppable battering ram in Tennessee, and he could do the same with Ashton Jeanty in the NFL Draft. The Patriots have their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, and Vrabel may believe Jeanty can minimize the effects of a poor offensive line and subpar receivers.
3. Chicago Bears
Ben Johnson and Ashton Jeanty are a match made in heaven. After establishing himself as one of the game’s great offensive minds with the Detroit Lions, Johnson became Chicago’s head coach and inherited a strong roster with a promising young quarterback in Caleb Williams. After bolstering the offensive line in free agency, this team has the tools to go on a deep playoff run. Jeanty could be the perfect final piece for this offense, but will he still be on the board when the Bears are on the clock?
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
On paper, the Jacksonville Jaguars are better than their 4-13 record would suggest. Trevor Lawrence is a legitimate franchise quarterback, Brian Thomas looks like one of the league’s great young weapons, and the defense has some promising playmakers. Former first-round pick Travis Etienne is coming off a disastrous season, while Tank Bigsby is nothing special as a runner. Ashton Jeanty would immediately be the best player in this backfield and could help Jacksonville go from worst to first in a weak AFC South.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Nobody believes in the power of the running game more than Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll. Notorious for his run-first attack during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, Carroll will have a hard time passing on a player who would immediately become his best running back since Marshawn Lynch. Carroll is on the older side, and the addition of Geno Smith only shows that he has no interest in a long-term rebuild. Carroll wants to win now, and selecting Ashton Jeanty in the NFL Draft would provide much-needed stability to a weak backfield.
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