- Ashton Jeanty is one of the best running back prospects of the last decade: Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley are the only running backs to rank as high as Jeanty on both consensus big boards and the PFF big board.
- A potential first-round redraft selection: As long as Jeanty lands on a decent team where he can be the apparent lead running back, his ADP could end up among the top 12 players by August.
- 2025 NFL Draft season is here: Try PFF’s best-in-class Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2025’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team.
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
PFF’s fantasy football player profile series delivers the most in-depth fantasy football analysis available for the 2025 season.
Using PFF’s exclusive data, we evaluate player performance, competition for touches and how teammates and coaching staffs will impact each player’s fantasy football outlook.
Last updated: 7:15 a.m. Monday, April 21
Click here for more draft tools:
NFL Draft Big Board | Mock Draft Simulator | NCAA Premium Stats
2025 PFF Draft Guide | Mock Draft Hub | Prospect Data Profiles
Draft Position Rankings
Player performance
Jeanty has been a genuinely dominant running back for Boise State. He earned a rushing grade above 90.0 in his first season, leading to a starting role in 2023. He averaged over 160 yards per game in 2023 and over 200 in 2024, unheard of by a running back. Of the top 11 projected rookie running backs, Jeanty had the highest avoided tackles per attempt rate, the highest percentage of his yards came after contact and the highest yards per carry. He’s avoided 85 more tackles than any other running back in the class.
Some of his rate metrics weren’t as good as other running backs, but it’s challenging to lead the FBS in both volume and efficiency metrics when Jeanty averaged over 18 carries per game throughout his career. While his numbers in any specific situation were generally strong, he was most ridiculous on perfectly blocked plays and plays against seven-man boxes. The difference between Jeanty being a first-round pick in fantasy drafts and the second round could be how good the run blocking is on his new team and how much he could avoid eight-man boxes.
Jeanty also has the highest receiving grade in the group. In 2023, he put up elite numbers as a college receiver, and then in 2024, Boise State focused more heavily on his rushing ability. He ranks among the top 25 fastest running backs in the FBS from the last eight seasons, according to PFF’s tracking data. The combination of speed and experience makes him the best rushing running back in the class and the best receiving running back in the class.
Projected role
Jeanty will ideally have a feature role as a rookie. Our player comparison for Jeanty in our draft guide is Alvin Kamara, who started his career as a receiving back but quickly turned into an every-down player who consistently is among the league leaders in snaps per game by a running back. Jeanty played over 80% of the snaps in his final season and nearly 80% in every situation.
Typically, teams feel the need to give their early first-round draft picks significant playing time, which should also benefit Jeanty. Every running back selected in the top 10 of the NFL draft in the last decade played at least 68% of their team’s offensive snaps as a rookie, except for Leonard Fournette, who dealt with injuries, which played a factor.
Most teams that are expected to draft Jeanty based on mock drafts will easily be able to get Jeanty to 68% of snaps. However, a team like the New Orleans Saints or San Francisco 49ers, who have an older running back, may decide Jeanty is too good a talent to pass up at their pick. In those cases, Jeanty may need to co-exist with another established running back for a season.
Most mocked teams
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders changed starting running backs every few weeks throughout 2024. They added 33-year-old Raheem Mostert, who would be a fine backup to Jeanty in Chip Kelly’s offense. The Raiders have the sixth overall pick. The Raiders retained their top-five run-blocking offensive linemen and should be able to maintain at least an average level of play if they stay healthy.
Chicago Bears
The Bears have the 10th pick and would be the ideal landing spot for Jeanty. They invested heavily in their offensive line in March, so Jeanty should be able to play as many snaps as he can handle. Their new head coach, Ben Johnson, had a very successful run game with the Detroit Lions. They have the 10th pick in the draft.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos have the 20th pick in the draft and would likely need to trade up to acquire Jeanty. The future All-Pro running back reminds people of Alvin Kamara and the Saints’ former head coach, Sean Payton, who now coaches the Broncos. While Payton has utilized a committee as a running back for most of his career, he made an exception for Kamara when he was at his peak. Ideally, Payton would also create an exception for Jeanty.
Bottom line
In August, Jeanty will likely be among the top 24 picks in fantasy football drafts. He is the top option in single-quarterback and superflex dynasty rookie drafts. It will be more difficult to trade for the first pick in dynasty rookie drafts this year compared to others because of Jeanty.
Footnotes
- Statistics in tables and charts were generally chosen based on their ability to predict future fantasy performance on a per-game or per-opportunity basis or for their ability to describe the player relative to others at the same position.
- “Opportunities” are defined as passing dropbacks, rushing attempts and receiving routes run.
- Numbers are either by season or based on the past three years. For rookies, only college numbers are included. Only NFL numbers are included for non-rookies, even if they played in college during the previous three years.
- Because college competition is easier than NFL competition, most rookies will likely see a decline from their historic numbers.
- Only FBS data is considered for college players and comparisons.
- Kneel-downs are removed from rushing data to provide cleaner quarterback rushing rate statistics.
- The colors for all tables in this article range from blue (good or high) to red (bad or low).
- All percentiles or colors compare the given player to other players with a high sample of opportunities. Generally, the cut-off is one-third of the possible opportunities in the sample. If the player in question doesn’t have enough opportunities, they are still compared, even though they could look good or bad based on the small sample size, which might not be as predictive.
- Information on utilization classifications and their importance can be found here for running backs, wide receivers and tight ends.
[/am4show]
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Senators stay alive as Jake Sanderson strikes in OT: Game 4 takeaways
OTTAWA — The Battle of Ontario is heading back to Toronto.In front of another rollicking crowd that featured more blue and white than Game 3, goals from Tim Stützle, Shane Pinto, David Perron and an overtime winner from Jake Sanderson helped the Ottawa Senators keep their season alive with a desperate and spirited 4-3 OT win to force Game 5.AdvertisementWith both a short-handed and power play goal, the Senators did well to win the special teams battle that the Leafs had previously won all series.Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz looked average for the first time all series, allowing four goals on just 22 shots.While the Leafs had flashes of brilliance, including Matthew Knies’ incredible second-period breakaway goal, the Senators stayed consistent in their play in a way the Leafs did not. The Senators now not only have a larger sliver of […]
Buccaneers undrafted free agent could make history as the heaviest NFL player ever
Getty Images If there was an award for most interesting undrafted free agent signings, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would certainly be in the running to win. Not only did Todd Bowles sign Deion Sanders' other son in Colorado safety Shilo Sanders, but Tampa Bay is also adding someone who has a chance to be the heaviest player in NFL history. Florida defensive tackle Desmond Watson, who stands at 6-foot-5, 464 pounds, is signing with the Buccaneers on a deal that includes $50,000 guaranteed per NFL Media. USA Today reports that Watson has already dropped weight, and lost about 26 pounds since Florida's pro day on March 27. Even so, Watson would be the heaviest player to suit up for an NFL team. In four seasons with the Gators, Watson recorded 63 combined tackles, four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks to go […]
Clay Webb, football player involved in federal bullying lawsuit, signs with Broncos
Clay Webb, who is part of an unresolved lawsuit around bullying, signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. Jacksonville State, where Webb played for the last three seasons, announced the news Saturday night. Clay Webb ➡️ @Broncos pic.twitter.com/fGwVskUUAx — Jax State Football (@JaxStateFB) April 27, 2025In 2020, Webb was sued in a federal lawsuit as one of three defendants accused in a bullying incident in 2018 at Oxford (Ala.) High School. Another then-student at the school accused Webb of making him drink a cup with semen in it. The federal lawsuit is ongoing.Earlier this year, Webb told The Athletic that his lawyers have told him not to comment on the suit. The University of Georgia, where Webb was enrolled at the time the suit was filed, released a statement in 2020 that read: “While we cannot comment […]
Ceará e São Paulo empatam na Arena Castelão pelo Brasileirão
O time cearense saiu na frente logo no início da partida. Aos três minutos do primeiro tempo, Pedro Henrique recebeu lançamento em profundidade de Matheus Bahia e finalizou por cobertura para vencer o goleiro Rafael, colocando o Ceará em vantagem. O São Paulo reagiu ainda na etapa inicial. Aos 43 minutos, o jovem Ryan Francisco aproveitou cruzamento e, de cabeça, igualou o marcador, garantindo o ponto fora de casa e mantendo a invencibilidade do Tricolor na competição. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Com o resultado, ambas as equipes chegaram aos oito pontos na tabela. O Ceará ocupa a sexta colocação, enquanto o São Paulo aparece logo atrás, em sétimo lugar. Agora, as atenções se voltam para a Copa do Brasil. O Ceará enfrenta o Palmeiras na próxima quarta-feira (30), às 19h30, novamente no Castelão. Já o São Paulo recebe o Náutico no MorumBIS, […]
49ers’ Malik Mustapha to miss start of season with knee injury: Source
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers fifth-round draft pick Marques Sigle might have a better-than-expected shot at a prominent role this season after it was revealed that one of last year’s top safeties is recovering from a serious knee injury.ESPN reported Saturday that Malik Mustapha, who started 12 games as a rookie in 2024, damaged the graft that was used to repair an ACL tear he sustained while at Wake Forest in 2022. Mustapha is believed to have suffered the injury in the 49ers’ season finale against the Arizona Cardinals on Jan. 5. He left that contest in the second quarter and didn’t return.AdvertisementWhile the injury isn’t considered as severe as a complete rupture, which can affect the meniscus in the knee, he’s still expected to be out until roughly the midpoint of the season, a league source confirmed. […]
Chargers 2025 NFL Draft takeaways: Major focus on adding playmaking around Justin Herbert
As the Los Angeles Chargers wrapped up their 2025 draft with six Day 3 picks, a theme came into very clear focus: This draft, more than anything else, was about putting more playmaking around Justin Herbert.The Chargers drafted a running back in the first round in Omarion Hampton who has the potential to alter the fabric of their offensive identity. They drafted a ball-winning outside receiver in the second round in Tre Harris. They double-dipped at receiver in the fifth round by adding speedy deep threat KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Seven picks later, the Chargers traded up for athletic pass-catching tight end Oronde Gadsden II. Weapon, weapon, weapon and another weapon. All before the end of the fifth round. General manager Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh built around their quarterback.AdvertisementHerbert had one reliable option in the passing game last season in […]
Related
Senators stay alive as Jake Sanderson strikes in OT: Game 4 takeaways
OTTAWA — The Battle of Ontario is heading back to Toronto.In front of another rollicking crowd that featured more blue and white than Game 3, goals from Tim Stützle, Shane Pinto, David Perron and an overtime winner from Jake Sanderson helped the Ottawa Senators keep their season alive with a desperate and spirited 4-3 OT win to force Game 5.AdvertisementWith both a short-handed and power play goal, the Senators did well to win the special teams battle that the Leafs had previously won all series.Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz looked average for the first time all series, allowing four goals on just 22 shots.While the Leafs had flashes of brilliance, including Matthew Knies’ incredible second-period breakaway goal, the Senators stayed consistent in their play in a way the Leafs did not. The Senators now not only have a larger sliver of […]
Buccaneers undrafted free agent could make history as the heaviest NFL player ever
Getty Images If there was an award for most interesting undrafted free agent signings, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would certainly be in the running to win. Not only did Todd Bowles sign Deion Sanders' other son in Colorado safety Shilo Sanders, but Tampa Bay is also adding someone who has a chance to be the heaviest player in NFL history. Florida defensive tackle Desmond Watson, who stands at 6-foot-5, 464 pounds, is signing with the Buccaneers on a deal that includes $50,000 guaranteed per NFL Media. USA Today reports that Watson has already dropped weight, and lost about 26 pounds since Florida's pro day on March 27. Even so, Watson would be the heaviest player to suit up for an NFL team. In four seasons with the Gators, Watson recorded 63 combined tackles, four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks to go […]
Clay Webb, football player involved in federal bullying lawsuit, signs with Broncos
Clay Webb, who is part of an unresolved lawsuit around bullying, signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. Jacksonville State, where Webb played for the last three seasons, announced the news Saturday night. Clay Webb ➡️ @Broncos pic.twitter.com/fGwVskUUAx — Jax State Football (@JaxStateFB) April 27, 2025In 2020, Webb was sued in a federal lawsuit as one of three defendants accused in a bullying incident in 2018 at Oxford (Ala.) High School. Another then-student at the school accused Webb of making him drink a cup with semen in it. The federal lawsuit is ongoing.Earlier this year, Webb told The Athletic that his lawyers have told him not to comment on the suit. The University of Georgia, where Webb was enrolled at the time the suit was filed, released a statement in 2020 that read: “While we cannot comment […]
Ceará e São Paulo empatam na Arena Castelão pelo Brasileirão
O time cearense saiu na frente logo no início da partida. Aos três minutos do primeiro tempo, Pedro Henrique recebeu lançamento em profundidade de Matheus Bahia e finalizou por cobertura para vencer o goleiro Rafael, colocando o Ceará em vantagem. O São Paulo reagiu ainda na etapa inicial. Aos 43 minutos, o jovem Ryan Francisco aproveitou cruzamento e, de cabeça, igualou o marcador, garantindo o ponto fora de casa e mantendo a invencibilidade do Tricolor na competição. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Com o resultado, ambas as equipes chegaram aos oito pontos na tabela. O Ceará ocupa a sexta colocação, enquanto o São Paulo aparece logo atrás, em sétimo lugar. Agora, as atenções se voltam para a Copa do Brasil. O Ceará enfrenta o Palmeiras na próxima quarta-feira (30), às 19h30, novamente no Castelão. Já o São Paulo recebe o Náutico no MorumBIS, […]
49ers’ Malik Mustapha to miss start of season with knee injury: Source
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers fifth-round draft pick Marques Sigle might have a better-than-expected shot at a prominent role this season after it was revealed that one of last year’s top safeties is recovering from a serious knee injury.ESPN reported Saturday that Malik Mustapha, who started 12 games as a rookie in 2024, damaged the graft that was used to repair an ACL tear he sustained while at Wake Forest in 2022. Mustapha is believed to have suffered the injury in the 49ers’ season finale against the Arizona Cardinals on Jan. 5. He left that contest in the second quarter and didn’t return.AdvertisementWhile the injury isn’t considered as severe as a complete rupture, which can affect the meniscus in the knee, he’s still expected to be out until roughly the midpoint of the season, a league source confirmed. […]
Chargers 2025 NFL Draft takeaways: Major focus on adding playmaking around Justin Herbert
As the Los Angeles Chargers wrapped up their 2025 draft with six Day 3 picks, a theme came into very clear focus: This draft, more than anything else, was about putting more playmaking around Justin Herbert.The Chargers drafted a running back in the first round in Omarion Hampton who has the potential to alter the fabric of their offensive identity. They drafted a ball-winning outside receiver in the second round in Tre Harris. They double-dipped at receiver in the fifth round by adding speedy deep threat KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Seven picks later, the Chargers traded up for athletic pass-catching tight end Oronde Gadsden II. Weapon, weapon, weapon and another weapon. All before the end of the fifth round. General manager Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh built around their quarterback.AdvertisementHerbert had one reliable option in the passing game last season in […]
Be the first to leave a comment