After taking Boise State to a Mountain West title and the College Football Playoff, running back Ashton Jeanty is now in Indianapolis as an invitee for the 2025 NFL Combine. And even though he’s not taking part in the on-field drills, Jeanty has made a big impression at the event anyway.
Ashton Jeanty Praised by Anonymous NFL RB Coach
Jeanty, who finished second in the 2024 Heisman Trophy race, had an amazing junior season. He ran for 2,601 yards and scored 29 touchdowns, plus caught 23 passes for 138 yards and a score.
In 2024, Jeanty was just 27 yards short of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record. His production last season made him one of the top players in the upcoming draft pool.
Although running backs haven’t been highly taken in the NFL Draft lately, Jeanty’s stock is still up there. An anonymous NFL running back coach told Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz he is definitely a first-round pick.
“Love the kid. There’s no way he falls outside the top 15-20 picks,” Schultz relayed. “He reminds me of a taller Maurice Jones-Drew. Bowling ball with speed. Guy will be an immediate superstar.”
I just spoke with a running backs coach here at the Combine in Indy who met with all the RBs. Here’s what he told me about Ashton Jeanty:
“Love the kid. There’s no way he falls outside the top 15-20 picks. He reminds me of a taller Maurice Jones-Drew. Bowling ball with speed.… pic.twitter.com/YaibFpdHgx
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 26, 2025
Although only two running backs have been picked in the first round since 2022, and none last year, Jeanty’s performance and the praise he’s getting now are sure to see him being picked on Day 1.
Pro Football Network’s latest mock draft by Marco Enriquez projects Jeanty to be picked as the No. 20 overall player by the Denver Broncos. The franchise’s offense around Bo Nix could use a bit more help after running back Javonte Williams left. Jeanty could be a good choice to replace him.
Enriquez’s analysis of Jeanty reads: “Jeanty is a nimble and agile runner with excellent vision. His ability to identify and exploit running lanes is impressive.
“Last year, he forced the most missed tackles in FBS history in a single season with 163; for context, Bijan Robinson forced 112 missed tackles in 2022. Expect Jeanty to take pressure off Nix and help take the offense to the next level.”
Meanwhile, teams looking to see Jeanty display his skills firsthand will have to wait until Boise State’s pro day in late March, as the running back is at the combine to meet NFL teams and go through medical checks.