Every NFL Draft cycle brings a handful of players who break the mold, and Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty fits that bill in 2025. With a rare blend of power, vision, and versatility, Jeanty isn’t just another productive college back — he’s the kind of three-down playmaker who can instantly elevate an offense. Whether it’s breaking tackles or catching passes out of the backfield, his game translates cleanly to the next level.
Several teams could use a back like Jeanty, but for PFSN NFL analyst Brandon Austin, two franchises stand out as logical landing spots based on need, scheme fit, and draft positioning. One is desperate for a rushing revival, and the other is quietly building a strong foundation around a young quarterback.
Why Ashton Jeanty Is Perfect Fix for Las Vegas Raiders’ Broken Run Game
The Raiders haven’t had a top-tier run game in years — and it showed in 2024, when they finished dead last in rushing yards. Their backfield managed just 1,120 total rushing yards, the lowest single-season total by any NFL team since 2020. Las Vegas recognized the issue and signed veteran Raheem Mostert this offseason, but at 33, Mostert’s best usage is in a complementary role, not as a bell-cow.
That’s exactly why Jeanty makes so much sense at No. 6 overall. He checks every box: Power between the tackles, smooth hands in the passing game, and an ability to create big plays seemingly out of nothing. Jeanty consistently runs through contact and keeps his legs churning after the first hit — a trait the Raiders’ backfield sorely lacked last season. With Geno Smith now under center, Las Vegas is looking for stability on offense, and Jeanty brings just that. He can now carry the workload while also providing a long-term solution in the run game.
Why Chicago Bears Could Pair Caleb Williams With a Game-Changing Jeanty
The Bears aren’t totally in crisis mode at running back — not with D’Andre Swift on the roster — but they’ve done everything right this offseason to prepare for a potential splash pick like Jeanty. Chicago upgraded its offensive line in a big way, bringing in Drew Dalman, Joe Thuney, and Jonah Jackson. That group, paired with Caleb Williams at quarterback, sets the stage for a physical, balanced offense.
While Swift is solid, Jeanty brings a different gear. He’s a home-run threat every time he touches the ball and brings the kind of consistency in pass protection and receiving that makes offensive coordinators feel comfortable keeping him on the field in any situation. For a young QB like Williams, having that type of reliable safety valve in the backfield is huge. And for a Bears team that finally seems ready to contend, adding a playmaker like Jeanty could be the final piece of the puzzle.
Whether he lands in Vegas or Chicago, Jeanty is the kind of back who can change the trajectory of an offense — and he might not be on the board long enough for many other teams to find out.