Dec 6, 2024; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) is interviewed by Fox Sports reporter Allison Williams after the game against the UNLV Rebels at Albertsons Stadium. Boise State beats UNLV 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-Imagn Images

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2025 NFL Combine: Why Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty Is The Best Running Back In This Draft Class!

Ashton Jeanty is the best RB in this draft—Denver must act.

The NFL Combine is where teams get their first real look at draft prospects in a controlled environment. It’s a job interview in cleats, with every drill and measurement used to validate scouting reports.

For fantasy football players, it’s a critical event. Dynasty managers already know that speed, agility drills, and strength tests matter, but the real value lies in the nuances—things like contact balance, burst through the hole, and how a player moves in space.

This year’s draft class lacks star power. There are solid prospects across the board, but few game-changers. That includes running backs. Still, teams will draft them, and understanding who stands out is key.

Ashton Jeanty is the best running back in the class of 2025

No running back in college football was more dominant last season than Ashton Jeanty. The Boise State star finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns on 374 carries. His production speaks for itself.

Jeanty isn’t just a volume back—his skill set translates well to the NFL. He’s built low to the ground with a powerful base, making him nearly impossible to bring down on first contact. His combination of speed, lateral agility, and vision allows him to find creases that don’t exist for most runners. He’s a natural fit for both zone and power schemes.

I’m ironing out my RB8-10 because I like about 5 guys in that range. But my top-7 is set before the combine.

1. Ashton Jeanty (hot take)
2. TreVeyon Henderson
3. Kaleb Johnson
4. Quinshon Judkins
5. Devin Neal
6. Omarion Hampton
7. Cam Skattebo

Every single one of them would… pic.twitter.com/TGLI6ECm7q
— Al Calo (@Calo_FF) February 23, 2025

The only knock? He’s not a reliable receiving threat. He struggled with drops last season, and while he can be a weapon on screens, he won’t be a high-volume pass catcher.

CBS Sports comparison: Marshawn Lynch

Best fantasy fit: Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has consistently featured strong running backs, and Jeanty would immediately slot in as the lead option. The Cowboys’ offensive line remains solid, and adding Jeanty would take pressure off Dak Prescott while providing balance to the offense.

The Broncos need a running back more than a tight end

The Broncos’ offense has problems, but Sean Payton has made one thing clear: This team won’t go anywhere without fixing the skill positions. The tight end room is among the league’s worst, and the running back situation isn’t much better.

Payton spent last season rotating through Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson. None of them produced consistently. Denver finished 16th in rushing yards per game despite ranking first in block win rate (74.9%). That’s not a scheme issue—it’s a talent issue.

The Broncos can’t afford to waste another year on a subpar backfield. If they want a real playmaker, they should trade up for Jeanty. If they stay put, North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton is a solid alternative.

Drafting a running back early isn’t always smart—but Denver has a case

Taking a running back in the first round rarely makes sense unless there’s a clear need and a strong offensive line. Denver checks both boxes.

Jeanty would require a move up the board, likely ahead of Dallas at No. 12. Hampton could be available if they wait. Either way, Denver must address this position. The Broncos don’t have a roster built to compete without a legitimate ground game, and Bo Nix won’t succeed without a reliable weapon in the backfield.

Yes, they also need a tight end. Michigan’s Colston Loveland will be mocked to Denver a hundred times before the draft. But tight ends in the top 20 rarely deliver the expected return. Eleven of the 25 selected in that range since 2000 have been busts. The Broncos can find one later.

The priority should be clear: Fix the running back problem first.

Image: Imagn Images

Ashton Jeanty

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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