While some teams have decided that running backs don’t matter anymore, others need to address the position. Ashton Jeanty and his landing spot is going to be a hot topic in the draft community, and here are five teams that could target him in the 2025 NFL draft.
Ashton Jeanty Potential Landing Spots
Los Angeles Chargers
While Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey had an exciting connection, this team prides themselves on the running game. J.K. Dobbins was a nice comeback story, but Jeanty could take this team to another level. Dobbins was outside the top 20 running backs in missed tackles forced and yards after contact per carry. Meanwhile, Jeanty is almost off the charts for those stats at the college level.
It would either take trading up or for Jeanty to fall on draft day, as the Chargers are picking 22nd. Maybe teams decide to let him slip due to the positional value, or maybe Jim Harbaugh falls in love.
Las Vegas Raiders
On the opposite end of the first round, the Raiders could take Jeanty as early as sixth. It’s no secret the team needs a quarterback, but maybe they address that need in free agency. Pete Carroll leaned on Marshawn Lynch for years, and now he Ashton Jeanty in the draft. If they can wait until 2026 to draft a quarterback, they can just take one of the best players available.
It’s unorthodox, but having a stud running back and tight end to build an offense around can make a rookie quarterback feel right at home if their free agent options don’t work out.
New Orleans Saints
Yes, Alvin Kamara just signed an extension. But if they want to get the most out of him, the Saints need another option in the backfield. Pairing Kamara with Ashton Jeanty in the draft would immediately give them one of the best backfields in the NFL, which is worth exploring. This landing spot would be dreadful for fantasy football, but would make the Saints offense exciting.
Jeanty has the contact balance of a young Alvin Kamara, and Kamara could be a great mentor for him. It’s not the best use of assets for a team with as many holes as New Orleans, but Mickey Loomis hasn’t been known for his long-term approach as a GM.
Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones wants his running back. Between Emmitt Smith, Ezekiel Elliot and Demarco Murray it seems like the Cowboys always have a flashy back. Rico Dowdle wasn’t exactly turning heads last year and is an unrestricted free agent this year. It could help take some pressure off of Dak Prescott, and if they’re not head-over-heels for a receiver or defender at 12 Ashton Jeanty could be a draft target.
Pittsburgh Steelers
All of these teams have other needs. To be fair, those needs are definitely more pressing, and the Steelers aren’t any different. But they also had other needs in 2021 when they drafted Najee Harris and sent James Conner on his way. The AFC North has tough, hard-nose football and Jeanty’s aggressive rushing style would fit in perfectly.
Main Photo Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
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