When it comes to draft season conversations, the name Ashton Jeanty often seems to be on the tip of everyone’s tongue—or rather, it should be. Surprisingly, some mock drafts are placing him outside of the top 10, prompting a head-scratching examination of what this running back brings to the table. Jeanty’s stats are eye-popping: 2,600 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns could easily prop up a quarterback’s candidacy for a draft’s top spot. So, what gives? Is it the institution he represents, or is it the gradually shifting perception of the running back’s role in today’s game?
In an era where defenses such as the Cover 8 are redefining the gridiron, running backs like Jeanty are adapting and thriving. Look no further than Boise State’s games where Jeanty’s performances are jaw-dropping. His showdown against Georgia Southern, with six touchdowns and 267 rushing yards on just 20 carries, seemed like the stuff of legends ripped straight from the pages of a video game. And he wasn’t done. The following week saw him torching Oregon’s defense with 200 rushing yards and adding three more touchdowns to his highlight reel.
As the season wound on, defenses—Penn State being a prime example—naturally honed in on neutralizing Jeanty. Yet, this speaks volumes about his threat level and not a lack of capability. With a more balanced offensive strategy, Boise State might have claimed the best offensive title in college football. It’s perplexing that Jeanty isn’t being hailed as a top-five draft pick, especially given his Heisman-worthy contributions to his team and the collegiate landscape.
Watching Jeanty play is witnessing a grown man taking the field with conviction, carving out yards even when defenses are fully loaded against him. Whether teams are considering trading up or repositioning their current assets, nabbing Jeanty would be a strategic masterstroke. From the perspective of any keen general manager, Jeanty’s duality of talent and immediate impact is unmatched. There’s no doubt—Ashton Jeanty stands out as the most gifted athlete in this year’s draft and is poised to be an instant game-changer in the NFL.
