One of the fastest-rising prospects in the NFL Draft is Ashton Jeanty, who exploded onto the college football scene with a huge 2024 season. The Boise State star finished just 27 yards short of Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record and led the Broncos to their first College Football Playoff appearance.
As the draft gets closer, Jeanty is expected to be the first running back selected. One of the best quarterbacks in NFL history even said he’s a big fan of Jeanty’s game.
Ashton Jeanty Receives High Praise From Aaron Rodgers
During a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Aaron Rodgers pointed out one draft prospect who really impressed him.
“I did see the RB from Boise State,” Rodgers said about Jeanty. “He is a specimen. He is well put together. I think he’s probably going top 10. Just the eye test? He passes the eye test for sure.”
Last season, Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. He became one of the best running backs in college football history, winning the Maxwell Award and finishing second in Heisman voting behind two-way star Travis Hunter.
Some scouts were unsure about his size — Jeanty stands at just 5’9″ — but his power, vision, and ability to break tackles won them over. NFL insider Jeremy Fowler called him one of the “cleanest” prospects in this year’s draft, praising both his talent and character.
Rodgers’ prediction that Jeanty won’t fall past the top 10 is shared by many across the league. PFSN’s Jacob Infante projected the Las Vegas Raiders to take him at No. 6 overall.
Here’s what he wrote about the Boise State star in his mock draft:
“After trading for Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith, it’s unlikely the Las Vegas Raiders will push hard for a quarterback in Round 1,” Infante wrote. “Instead, it makes sense to surround Smith with more offensive weapons.
“Ashton Jeanty put up eye-popping numbers for Boise State in 2024. He’s a smart runner with great agility, vision, and contact balance. His skills in the passing game also make him a high-impact starter. He’d be a great fit for a coach like Pete Carroll, who leans on the run game.”
Rodgers has been rumored to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who currently hold the No. 21 pick in the draft. They probably won’t have a shot at Jeanty, but the future Hall of Famer still gave him a glowing review.
