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While it's hard to get a consensus on how to value the running back position in the modern-day NFL, there is not much disagreement around the potential impact of Boise State's Ashton Jeanty.
The Heisman Trophy finalist took college football by storm in 2024 and is expected to do the same once he arrives at the pro level. The only question is where that will be.
Jeanty is viewed by most draft experts as the top RB prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class, meaning his name will likely be one of the first called on draft night. Will it be in the top five? Top 10? Even later?
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For an idea of what to expect, here's a rundown of where Jeanty has been projected in the latest mocks from NFL Draft experts.
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Ashton Jeanty draft projections
While there is some variance in where Jeanty is projected to land, all draft experts have him as a consensus top-10 pick. He is selected as high as fifth and falls no lower than 10th in each of the experts' mock drafts.
Jeanty is projected to land in the first round in 86.8 percent of mocks, according to the NFL Mock Draft Database. His most likely landing spot is listed as sixth overall to Las Vegas.
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Peter Schrager, ESPN
Schrager's latest mock was released on April 23.
- Round 1, Pick No. 5: Jacksonville Jaguars
Schrager is one of a few experts who have slated Jeanty as the fifth overall pick. There's a new regime in Jacksonville, an interesting landing spot when considering the presence of the Tank Bigsby-Travis Etienne Jr. RB tandem that is already present.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Brooks' latest mock was released on April 22
- Round 1, Pick No. 6: Las Vegas Raiders
Given the projections and forecast, seeing Jeanty land sixth isn't much of a surprise here. Here's some of Brooks' explanation: "Pete Carroll’s apparent desire to feature a dominant rushing attack makes the Boise State standout the sensible pick."
Chris Simms, NBC Sports
Simms' latest mock was released on April 21
- Round 1, Pick No. 10: Chicago Bears
The lowest of recent forecasts comes from Simms, who has Jeanty slide to 10th and the Bears. It's an intriguing spot for a Chicago team looking to continue to build its offense around last year's No. 1 pick, Caleb Williams.
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News
Iyer's latest mock was released on April 17
- Round 1, Pick No. 6: Las Vegas Raiders
Iyer cites Las Vegas' inaction in developing its backfield as part of its reasoning to go with Jeanty. The other reason? "The Raiders seem to have fallen in love with Jeanty as the new feature back for Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly."
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Brugler's latest mock draft was released on April 16
Round 1, Pick No. 5: Jacksonville Jaguars
Brugler also believes that Jeanty would land in Jacksonville, saying that "this draft is light at the top and Jeanty is the best player available. He would give the Jacksonville offense an immediate upgrade."
Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates, ESPN
Kiper released a joint mock draft with Yates on April 15
No. 6: Las Vegas Raiders
In their collaborative mock draft, Kiper and Yates added more fuel to the Jeanty-to-Vegas fire by slating him to go sixth overall. It makes things seem as though Jeanty won't last past sixth.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network
Daniel Jeremiah released a mock draft on March 18
No. 6: Las Vegas Raiders
Here's what Jeremiah had to say about Vegas' potential selection of Jeanty: "The Raiders can take some pressure off of Geno Smith by adding Jeanty, who is one of the top three players in the draft."
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