Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has been college football's biggest revelation this campaign. Through five contests, Jeanty has rushed for 1,031 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Jacksonville, Florida native has galloped for 127-plus yards in every appearance, including two 200-or-more yard showings. He’s on pace to shatter Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record (Oklahoma State, 2,628).
Jeanty is establishing himself as a first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. His contact balance, vision, footwork, and versatility make him an elite prospect. The film indicates he’s the best running back in college football. With NFL offenses reverting back to the run game as a response to two-high safeties, several franchises could consider selecting Jeanty with a top-32 pick. We've identified three potential fits.
DALLAS COWBOYS
The Dallas Cowboys failed to address the running back position last offseason after watching Tony Pollard sign with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. The Cowboys passed on opportunities to draft mid-round prospects like Bucky Irving, Jaylen Wright, and Braelon Allen. They drafted Marist Liufau instead, who is working as their No. 3 off-ball linebacker.
The Cowboys settled for reuniting with Ezekiel Elliott in free agency to address their running back problem. Fast forward through five weeks and their rushing attack ranks 31st in the league at 82.0 ground yards per contest. Rico Dowdle is out-snapping Elliott, averaging a team-high 4.1 yards per carry. The Cowboys have scored two rushing touchdowns, and quarterback Dak Prescott produced one of them.
Jeanty would be an outstanding fit running behind an offensive line that now has Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
The 1-4 Cincinnati Bengals are arguably the league's most disappointing team through five completed weeks. The expectation was Super Bowl contention. The reality is trending toward a top 10 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Bengals still have time to turn their season around, but victories must start arriving in bunches.
Head coach Zac Taylor is currently fielding the league's 28th-ranked rushing attack at 96.0 yards per outing. Changes are coming to the offense next offseason with wide receiver Tee Higgins expected to sign elsewhere in free agency. Zack Moss suffered an injury in the latest game and is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. The Bengals could look to draft a true workhorse in 2025. Jeanty could help the Bengals establish a new identity offensively alongside Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase.
HOUSTON TEXANS
The Houston Texans traded for and extended veteran running back Joe Mixon in the offseason. Mixon missed Sunday's Week 5 victory over the Buffalo Bills with injury, prompting the Texans to start Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale in the backfield. The Texans also aren't running the football effectively, at a 23rd-best 104.2 yards per game.
Third-year back Dameon Pierce has been a non-factor since Bobby Slowik became the offensive coordinator and installed a zone-based scheme. The Texans have built the sort of complete roster that allows for a luxury pick like a running back in the first round. General manager Nick Caserio could draft Jeanty and pair him with Mixon in 2025 while understanding he'll serve as a succession plan.
