Ashton Jeanty Landing Spots: Top Teams That Might Go After the Heisman Runner-Up in the 2025 NFL Draft

With the Boise State Broncos still in the College Football Playoffs, Ashton Jeanty’s stock will continue to rise. While he missed out on the Heisman Trophy, it seems nothing could possibly stop him from being a first-round draft pick next April. Despite the traditional reluctance from NFL teams to draft running backs in the first round, Jeanty is special, ofcourse.

Unlike last season, the upcoming draft will feature many running backs waiting to take the NFL by storm. Drafting Jeanty should be a priority for teams needing a game-changer. There are a few teams who are likely to be in the race to draft the Heisman runner-up.

Denver Broncos need someone like Jeanty

Sean Payton loves to run the ball but had to rely on the likes of Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Bo Nix (QB), and Audric Estime this season. All these rushers have contributed, but none has surpassed even the 500-yard mark, despite having one of the best Offensive Lines in the NFL to protect them. They are 20th in the league in running the ball.

Nix, with 352 yards, is 2nd in the team for rushing yards. That says a lot about their ground game.

The young QB needs a run game to take the pressure off him. Adding Jeanty would give them a remarkable option from the backfield.

Cincinnati Bengals have forgotten how to run the ball

The Bengals have one of the best passing offenses in the league thanks to Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. However, too much reliance on the pass offense has led to them forgetting how to run the ball. They sit 30th in the ground game, averaging only 91 yards per game.

Cincinnati desperately needs a rusher, and Jeanty could be the solution. However, they also need a lot of pieces on defense and the offensive line.

So, there is also a likelihood that the Bengals may not spend their first round pick on a running back.

Jeanty could bolster the Dallas Cowboys’ ineffective ground game

Jerry Jones needs a big signing to shift attention away from another disappointing season. The Cowboys did not even make the playoffs.

As per USA Today, Dallas also need a reliable running back to revitalize their ground game. The experiment with Ezekiel Elliott fell short. And while Rico Dowdle has shown promise late in the season, he isn’t a long-term solution.

The last time Dallas drafted a running back in the first round was in 2016 when they selected Zeke. And Zeke had four strong seasons with them.

They may need to repeat that move in 2025 by drafting Jeanty. The Boise State standout has the talent to compensate for deficiencies in the offensive line. Plus, he is also a Texas native.

Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman love to run the ball as well

It’s no secret that Los Angeles Chargers head coach Harbaugh and his OC, Roman, rely heavily on their ground game. They have executed it efficiently this season to take the pressure off Justin Herbert. However, they still rank 21st in the run game.

JK Dobbins has been admirable, gaining 766 yards on the ground to lead the team. Gus Edwards and Herbert have totaled 365 and 252 yards, respectively.

However, Harbaugh had to split the carries to make it work because they don’t have a difference-maker like Jeanty. The Boise State star is the kind of rusher who is capable of running over 1500 yards, which makes a lot of difference for a run-heavy offense.

Jeanty is not a great pass catcher from the backfield and not a great blocker. He is also not an explosive back like Jahmyr Gibbs. These are things he will have to work on.

But Jeanty would still be a great addition to any team that drafts him. He will likely go in the first round, though he might fall below 25.