Ashton Jeanty's 2024 college football season playing on the blue turf produced a runner-up Heisman Trophy finish that is going to earn him a lot of green.
The Boise State running back is now set to put his talents on display at the school's pro day, giving teams, scouts and fans their first glimpse of him on the field since the season ended.
And there will be plenty waiting to see what he can do.
The pro day circuit in 2025 doesn't feature as many top-end quarterbacks as usual, meaning attention is focused on some of the more overlooked positions this time of year. After skipping the NFL combine drills, Jeanty's future employer will look for the running back to make a statement.
Here's a look at where he might end up on draft night:
Ashton Jeanty landing spots
Las Vegas Raiders
First round pick: Sixth overall
The Raiders figure to be the leader in the clubhouse for Jeanty's services, and for good reason. He is the best running back in the class and finds himself in a draft devoid of top-end skill talent – this draft is about as wide-open as it gets. Drafting a running back this early likely won't come with the usual skeptics talking about positional value.
It's been well-documented how Pete Carroll likes, and wants, to run the ball. With no clear running back atop the depth chart in Vegas, the Raiders can land themselves a potential star after solidifying the quarterback spot earlier in the offseason.
Dallas Cowboys
First round pick: 12th overall
Dallas would represent a homecoming opportunity for Jeanty, who played high school football in Frisco, Texas – the town the Cowboys' practice facility is located in. It's no secret that Dallas is looking for some reinforcements after a disappointing season. The Cowboys have lacked a true weapon at the running back spot since Ezekiel Elliott was at the height of his powers.
Complicating matters is that they don't have a clear No. 2 receiver or depth in the trenches, meaning someone like Jeanty could be put on the back burner. However, the Boise State product would steal headlines, sell jerseys and be a great story. Maybe it wouldn't be the best positional use for a top draft pick, but the Cowboys shouldn't worry about that. For a team that was thought of as a contender not long ago, Dallas needs a serious injection of talent to a roster that continues to fall short.
Chicago Bears
First round pick: 10th overall
Ben Johnson seems to be pushing all the right buttons this offseason.
His arrival as head coach has resulted in a makeover to the Bears' offense, which struggled in 2024. The team leveraged cap space to swing trades and sign free agents, with the goal of bolstering an offensive line that made life difficult for Caleb Williams in his rookie year. Now the fun begins. If Johnson wants to continue building in the Detroit Lions' mold, Jeanty should be in serious consideration for Chicago's pick. The Bears' offseason work to this point has freed them up to go anywhere with their pick. Jeanty is a luxury that the team can now afford.
New England Patriots
First round pick: Fourth overall
The Patriots have seemingly turned over every stone hoping to find a receiver for Drake Maye. Like the parent that waited too long to buy the hottest gift of the holiday season, they've come up empty. There are no receivers at home to comfort Maye. The team is now left to scramble, hoping to find something that can help its young quarterback. As the clock ticks, the situation worsens.
Could New England take a receiver with the fourth overall pick? Sure. Could Travis Hunter be waiting for the Patriots? Absolutely. While it's unlikely the Patriots draft a running back this high, there is always a chance of them trading down. For a team looking to acquire talent, perhaps the best way to do that is in big numbers. Trading down for more picks could put them in Jeanty territory if there are no receiving options available to their liking. Plus, Mike Vrabel will look to put his stamp on this team – and there is no Derrick Henry waiting for him on this squad.
Denver Broncos
First round pick: 20th overall
Even more of a long shot than the Patriots, the Broncos are probably too far back in the order to select Jeanty. At 20th overall, Denver would need to see the running back slip on draft night, or come up to get him. Neither of those options appear likely, but the Broncos are without a clear solution at running back and need help for QB Bo Nix.
Sean Payton's team could benefit from adding another dimension to the offense, especially if it wants to take a leap in Nix's second season. Denver figures to be in the running back market at some point. Maybe it can land Jeanty if the board breaks in its favor.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ashton Jeanty best fits: Cowboys, Raiders, Bears top landing spots
