Ashton Jeanty is the consensus top running back in the 2025 NFL Draft class. But in a hypothetical wild-card scenario, Jeanty could end up being one of the best wide receivers in the country—at least based on his response during a recent appearance on Up & Adams.
Given the right coach, Jeanty has the build, the tools, and the hands to thrive as a wide receiver in the NFL. More than that, he hopes to find someone who can tap into his wide receiver and tight end skill sets — and blend them with his running back instincts — to make him a true do-it-all threat at the next level.
Ashton Jeanty Opens Up on a Wild ‘What-If’ WR Question
As a sophomore at Boise State, Jeanty had two games with over 100 receiving yards and totaled 816 receiving yards with five receiving touchdowns — on top of playing multiple roles in the offense. He also lined up at wide receiver back in high school at Lone Star, where he had more receiving yards than rushing yards during his junior season.
That led to an obvious question from “Up & Adams” host Kay Adams: “Are you sure you’re not a wide receiver having an identity crisis?”
“I just might be,” Jeanty joked, flashing back to his days playing out wide. He said he checks all the major boxes as a wide receiver but also considers himself an excellent tight end. Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, Jeanty said he’s looking for a coach who can unlock every part of his skill set.
“But I can do it all on the football field,” Jeanty said. “So I feel like I just had different coaches bring out different aspects of my game. So now, hopefully, moving into the NFL, the right coach can put them all together.”
Ashton Jeanty, the Wide Receiver?@heykayadams | @AshtonJeanty2 pic.twitter.com/GG0dWhwliU
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 15, 2025
That kicked off a new conversation: How high would Jeanty be drafted if he declared as a wide receiver?
“As a wide receiver, I think I would go second round,” the Boise State star said.
Kay Adams wasn’t buying it. She pushed back, saying he’d be a surefire first-round pick — even as a full-time wideout.
If Jeanty did make the switch, his addition would only deepen a loaded 2025 wide receiver class. The group includes two-way phenom Travis Hunter, Matthew Golden, Tetairoa McMillan, Luther Burden III, and more.
No matter his position, Jeanty is shaping up to be one of the most exciting names to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft.