Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has long been viewed as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. The explosive running back finished second in Heisman Trophy voting last season and is arguably the most dynamic playmaker in this year’s class.
With Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry dominating the NFL in 2024, the value of the running back position appears to be rebounding. But how high could Jeanty be drafted? NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah recently told “The Pat McAfee Show” that Jeanty could land in the top five — if two other elite prospects are already off the board.
Daniel Jeremiah Thinks Ashton Jeanty Is in Play for the Patriots
Jeanty was unstoppable in his final college season leading the nation in carries (374) and rushing yards (2,601). He had 30 total touchdowns last season (29 rushing, one receiving) leading the Broncos to a College Football Playoff quarterfinal appearance.
He offers outstanding playmaking ability and has the game-breaking attributes to justify a team spending high draft capital on a non-priority position such as running back. Jeanty offsets his average size with outstanding speed, burst, and vision. At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, he measured 5’8 1/2″, 211 pounds. He’s a short running back but has a dense build with a sturdy lower body.
He’s a scheme-versatile back with outstanding vision and burst. Jeanty does all the little things well while also offering game-breaking home-run ability.
Jeremiah believes Jeanty could be a rare exception — a running back worth a top-five pick. But for the New England Patriots, that likely only happens if Carter and Hunter are gone.
“I would say, if you don’t get Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter … I would say best available player that can help your quarterback. I would be looking on the offensive side of the ball, and Ashton Jeanty, I have him as the No. 3 player in the draft. If you just go on pure, best available player, it’d be Jeanty,” Jeremiah said.
"If the Patriots don't get Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter I think it should be Ashton Jeanty..
This first pick for the Patriots should be a pick that's gonna help Drake Maye" ~ @MoveTheSticks #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/7wKe6sh4WO
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow)
“And if you’re obviously looking on the offensive side of the ball, he would be the guy there from the offensive side of the ball standpoint. Unless you can get Abdul Carter. … I get it, but, man, if you draft Travis Hunter and play him at receiver he helps Drake Maye. This first pick after a defensive-heavy free agency, it just feels like, man this has got to be a pick that’s going to help Drake Maye,” Jeremiah said.
New England’s offense finished No. 26 in PFSN’s Offense+ metric last season with very little to get excited about other than its rookie quarterback. Rhamondre Stevenson was the highest-producing skill player in 2024, totaling 979 yards from scrimmage (801 rushing, 168 receiving) and eight total touchdowns. It’s safe to say this unit needs a shot in the arm, and Jeanty could provide it.
Carter and Hunter are considered two of the best prospects and play key positions; PFSN’s Ben Rolfe has both taken before Jeanty at No. 6 in his latest mock draft. Rolfe agrees with Jeremiah’s thinking, having New England taking Hunter at No. 4 after Miami (FL)’s Cam Ward, Carter, and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders go in the top three.
Jeanty will instantly improve whatever offense he ends up on but may not be the right pick for New England at No. 6 depending on who’s left.
