2025 NFL mock draft: What if RB Ashton Jeanty falls down order in Round 1?
The 2025 NFL Draft features one of the deepest running back classes seen in the last 20 years. Teams across the league could find starting-caliber players at the position well into Day 3. There could even be a few starting-level undrafted free agents.
More teams have been leaning into the run game in recent years. NFL offenses averaged 119.8 rushing yards per game in 2024, the second-highest average in the last 30 years behind 2022 (121.6). This loaded class is hitting the NFL at the perfect time and there's one player at the top: Boise State's Ashton Jeanty.
The Heisman Trophy runner-up was incredibly prolific in 2024 and led college football with 2,601 rushing yards. The gap from him to Arizona State's Cam Skattebo, in second at 1,711 rushing yards, is bigger than the gap between Skattebo and New Mexico State's Seth McGowan in 78th.
Jeanty's yards after contact alone would've led college football in 2024. His generational contact balance means the 5-foot-9, 211-pound running back can take a hit or make a man miss. He led the country in forced missed tackles at 151; no other running back in the nation broke 100.
But his 397 touches in 2024 in 14 games were more than any NFL running back had in 2024, and the professionals had three more games. It's extremely unlikely, but there is a chance Jeanty could fall in the draft due to workload, speed and positional value concerns.
Here's a mock draft examining the farthest Jeanty could realistically fall in the draft:
2025 NFL mock draft: What if Ashton Jeanty falls?
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
This one's all but a done deal. Ward is the top prospect at the most important position in football. He makes sense as the future in Tennessee for a Titans team looking to improve in 2025.
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The Browns have considered both Hunter and Abdul Carter here, but the latest signs seem to point to Hunter. The two-way star at Colorado won the Heisman Trophy over Jeanty in 2024 and can become a difference maker on both sides of the ball for a talent-needy Cleveland team.
3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
New York takes the other blue-chip prospect in Carter. The former Nittany Lions star is still getting up to speed off the edge after multiple years at off-ball linebacker. His elite explosiveness off the edge is what should make him a productive NFL edge rusher.
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
New England made moves to upgrade the offensive line by bringing in tackle Morgan Moses and center Garrett Bradbury. The Patriots still have a glaring need at left tackle and that's why Campbell is the pick here. There are big questions about his length due to his short wingspan, but his experience and productivity on the left side for years makes a difference.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Jacksonville starts a new regime by picking one of the safest prospects in the class. Graham has a very high floor thanks to his run-defense productivity based on his leverage, strength and body control. His arm length may ultimately limit his pass-rush potential, but he'll be a very good starter for the Jaguars.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Las Vegas' new general manager, John Spytek, comes from Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers put a premium in the draft on the trenches. Membou's combine performance put him in rare company. Only he, Campbell, Tristan Wirfs and Trent Williams all measured in at 315 pounds, ran under five seconds in the 40-yard dash and cleared 30 inches in the vertical jump. Membou could be Spytek's Wirfs in Las Vegas.
7. New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Jets' offensive coordinator, Tanner Engstrand, saw firsthand how much a tight end can make a difference for an NFL offense in Detroit, with Sam LaPorta. Warren is a different type of tight end than LaPorta but offers a lot to like as a versatile pass catcher and mismatch in coverage.
8. Carolina Panthers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Panthers surrendered a league-high 35 passing touchdowns in 2024. They handed Jaycee Horn an extension this offseason and use their first-round pick to get an upgrade on the other outside spot. Johnson's 2023 tape was some of the best in the country. If he gets back to that level, it'll be a huge help for the Panthers' talent-needy defense.
9. New Orleans Saints: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Derek Carr's future is uncertain in 2025 due to a shoulder injury. The team started Spencer Rattler late in 2024 due to Carr's prior injury. Neither passer was new Saints coach Kellen Moore's choice at the position. Sanders could offer a low-cost future for a team lacking young, reliable talent.
10. Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Chicago passes on Jeanty in this exercise and opts for the running backs available in Round 2 instead. The Bears spent in free agency and via trade to upgrade the offensive line for Caleb Williams in 2025. Selecting Banks here provides insurance in case Chicago doesn't want to bring back free agents Joe Thuney or Braxton Jones in 2026.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
The 49ers need help in the trenches on both sides of the ball. San Francisco's defenses have traditionally featured a fearsome pass rush and the 49ers take a step toward a return to that philosophy with Williams. The Georgia product played hurt for much of 2024 but still showed flashes with his impressive burst, strength and very long arms.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Dallas would also take a good look at Jeanty — a Frisco, Texas, native — but for the sake of this exercise it opts for another pass-catcher on the outside. McMillan offers a different skill set than star wideout CeeDee Lamb and could offer Dak Prescott another weapon in the passing game. Dallas can pick a running back in Round 2.
13. Miami Dolphins: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Dolphins have four defensive linemen on their active roster. They have needs in the secondary as well, but this feels too early for some of the cornerbacks on the board. Harmon offers versatility on where he can line up on the defensive line thanks to his long frame and experience with the Ducks.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Indianapolis brought back Mo-Alie Cox in free agency, but that feels more like an insurance plan than a statement of intent. Loveland is a mismatch in coverage in the mold of a Zach Ertz and will be an immediate boost to one of the least-productive tight end rooms in the NFL last year.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Atlanta needs pass rush help and banks on Stewart's incredibly elite traits to make a difference at the next level. The sack production is a question mark but the talent is undeniable. It may take time to maximize his talents but they're worth the investment.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia
Arizona is happy to see the hybrid defender Walker fall to them at No. 16. Walker started full-time in 2024 for the first time and rushed off the edge more than he did earlier in his career. The Cardinals could use an upgrade at linebacker after letting Kyzir White go in free agency. Walker would be a movable piece with pass-rush potential.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
The Bengals undeniably need help on defense. In this scenario, they bank on new coordinator Al Golden helping lift up the current talent and opt for Day 2 investment on that side of the ball. Jackson was a standout guard for the Buckeyes before filling in at tackle after Josh Simmons' season-ending injury. He could be an immediate upgrade on the interior or a potential starter at tackle, if need be.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Seattle signed veterans Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Cooper Kupp in free agency but could use more youth at the wide receiver position. Golden would be an ideal No. 2 wide receiver in the passing game behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba. His speed would add another element to the offense under new coordinator Klint Kubiak.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Tampa Bay needs help rushing the passer and Green led the country in sacks in 2024. The Buccaneers signed Haason Reddick in free agency, but that shouldn't keep them from investing even more into the position.
20. Denver Broncos: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
This feels like the lowest possible place Jeanty could fall. He's already spent three years as a Bronco and wouldn't have to adjust in the NFL. Denver would be happy to have him as a bell-cow back who can make the most of its scheme.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The Steelers need an upgrade at cornerback around Joey Porter Jr. Barron may end up best at nickel but his mix of speed, ball skills, football IQ and commitment to run defense should serve him well in Pittsburgh.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Los Angeles needs more talent to continue competing in the AFC and Jim Harbaugh and company aren't shy about investing in the trenches. Grant fills the role of a nose tackle with his size (6-foot-3, 330 pounds), length (82⅝-inch wingspan) and athleticism. The Michigan connection continues and the Chargers have a high-upside piece to add on the interior.
23. Green Bay Packers: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
It may be a bit early for the next crop of cornerbacks, but Amos offers a lot to like. Amos has the size (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) and length to stick on the outside in the NFL. He's a standout in zone coverage but likes to play press. His ball production was impressive in 2024 (16 passes defensed, three interceptions).
24. TRADE: Cleveland Browns (via Minnesota Vikings): Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
The Vikings have a league-low four picks; the Browns have 10, tied for the second-most. Minnesota moves out of the first round by sending No. 24 to Cleveland for No. 33 overall and No. 67.
Doing so ensures the Browns can grab a quarterback sooner than later, and one who will have the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. Shough is the pick here over Jaxson Dart because Dart will likely need more time to adjust to an NFL offense. Shough could be a competent starter as a rookie.
25. Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Houston grabs one of the most pro-ready players in the draft and a familiar face for quarterback C.J. Stroud. Egbuka should transition very well to the slot as a rookie and be a productive piece for an offense needing more from the wide receiver group.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The Rams have long valued game speed and productivity over measurables at the NFL combine or pro days. That plays well into Starks' hands as a player who underperformed at the combine but has a lot of good film from the last three years as a starter for the Bulldogs' defense. Los Angeles continues to funnel young talent to the defense this year.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
Ezeiruaku is a departure from the typical edge rusher picks Baltimore makes. He's not an athletic, toolsy edge rusher who needs time to develop. He's the most pro-ready pass rusher in the class. His impressive length, bend and array of pass-rush moves make him a day one contributor for a team looking to get over the hump in the playoffs.
28. Detroit Lions: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
The Lions suffered an unusual number of injuries on defense in 2024 and that luck should return to normal in 2025. Still, more options in the secondary can't hurt. To get through the NFC, the Lions will likely have to best the likes of Minnesota, Philadelphia and the L.A. Rams, all of which have talented wide receiver groups. The Lions signed D.J. Reed in free agency, but Revel offers a long-term successor at the position with incredible speed, length and a hard-hitting attitude.
29. Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OL, Oregon
The Commanders traded for Laremy Tunsil this offseason to upgrade the protection for star quarterback Jayden Daniels. They don't stop here by taking Conerly, who has the athleticism to stay at tackle in the NFL but may lack the size to do so long-term. If that's the case, he'd upgrade one guard spot immediately.
30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Buffalo's lack of speed on defense was exposed in the AFC championship game against Kansas City. Hairston clocked the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and can fit in with either zone or man coverage systems. His ball production is top notch but he may end up in the nickel long-term due to his smaller frame at 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Kansas City makes a move here that could pay off immediately. Simmons' season-ending, non-contact knee injury knocked him out of his likely status as a top-10 pick in this draft. Teams may have medical concerns about him long-term. Kansas City has looked past medical concerns before (Trey Smith in the 2021 draft) and gets a player who could end up as the best tackle in the class. At the very least, he's insurance in case Jaylon Moore does not work out.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Eagles enter the draft with one of the best rosters in the league. The only questions may be at safety, where the team is relying on Sydney Brown and Reed Blankenship. Emmanwori was a star of the NFL combine with his outlier athleticism at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds and could grow into a key piece in Philadelphia's young secondary.