Running back Ashton Jeanty is a walking highlight reel at Boise State this season. With Jeanty a favorite to win the Heisman award this collegiate season, there's a growing expectation he will be entering the 2025 NFL Draft. Given that speculation, some have started making the connection to the Chicago Bears.
The do-it-all running back would honestly be a perfect fit for any offense. When it comes to the Bears, Jeanty is a fit thanks to his downhill running style.
Jeanty would bring a lot of hype with him. The junior is currently on pace to beat Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record. Before his next game at UNLV, Jeanty has galloped for 1,248 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference. Don't think that's impressive enough? He's currently averaging 208 rushing yards per game!
Due to his eye-popping stats and highlight reel, Jeanty has gained the respect of Heisman voters. He's currently the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this year with +190 odds, per FanDuel.
Several critics point toward Jeanty's competition in the Mountain West Conference as to why his rushing stats are so impressive. But Jeanty has shown up against the college's finest. He recorded 25 carries for 192 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-34 loss to No. 7 Oregon, per ESPN. This is their only loss of the season so far.
You might be wondering why the Bears would draft a running back when they just signed D'Andre Swift to a huge contract. The Bears could draft Jeanty, sign him to a cheap rookie deal, and then put Swift--who's overpaid--on the trade block. It's a smart move for the Bears as they will have to pay rookie quarterback Caleb Williams in the near future.
If the Bears draft Jeanty, they'd be one of the first teams in NFL history to draft Heisman winners in back-to-back drafts.
Jeanty is projected to land with the Dallas Cowboys with the 16th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to Sports Illustrated.