The top-10 running back has become a rarity in the NFL draft. Interestingly, there was a running back picked in the first 10 picks every year from 2015 to 2018. The Atlanta Falcons made Bijan Robinson the only running back selected that high since that 2018 draft.
Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski predicted Ashton Jeanty will join Robinson in the exclusive club in April and listed three teams who could make it happen. The New Orleans Saints have been connected to Jeanty through speculation around Kellen Moore. The fellow Boise State alum centered his offense around Saquon Barkley en route to a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Many, including Sobleski, see drafting Jeanty as an opportunity to maintain a similar philosophy. "The New Orleans Saints at No. 9 may look to replicate what the Eagles did with Barkley since Kellen Moore is now their head coach," Sobleski wrote.
New Orleans sent their running backs coach, Joel Thomas, to Boise State's pro day, and the two went out to dinner. The interest is there from New Orleans but Sobleski thinks the Saints have competitors for Jeanty. Pete Carrol is known to have an affinity for running the football, and Sobleski sees the Las Vegas Raiders as the earliest team who will take the running back. One pick after the Saints, the Chicago Bears are another option within the top-10.
Like Moore, Ben Johnson comes from a place where he ran the ball frequently. He's been reunited with D'Andre Swift, but Johnson had a two-headed monster in Detroit. Picking Jeanty would give you two running backs capable of topping the century mark, as well as a top flight prospect.
Running back PR is through the roof after great seasons by multiple free agent additions in 2024, and it'll be interesting to see how it translates into draft stock for incoming rookies.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints listed among teams who could pick a RB top-10 in NFL draft
